Ben Zientara

Solar Policy Analyst

Expertise:

Solar policy | Industry trends | Solar generators

About Ben Zientara

Ben Zientara is a writer, researcher, and solar policy analyst who has written about the residential solar industry, the electric grid, and state utility policy since 2013.

His early work included leading the team that produced the annual State Solar Power Rankings Report for the Solar Power Rocks website from 2015 to 2020. The rankings were utilized and referenced by a diverse mix of policymakers, advocacy groups, and media including The Center for American Progress, The Institute for Local Self-Reliance, the Solar Institute at George Washington University, PolitiFact, and The Guardian.

In 2020, Ben joined SolarReviews and now lends his expertise to the annual Solar Industry Survey, Top Solar Manufacturers list, Top 10 Solar States list, and throughout articles and pages across the site.

Ben holds a B.S. in Scientific & Technical Communication from the University of Minnesota, with special coursework in Environmental Science and a minor in Sustainability Studies. He spends his time away from the solar power world cooking and eating delicious food or spending quality time with his wife, kids, and big brown dog in the mountains, woods, parks, and playgrounds of the Portland, Oregon area.

Articles by Ben Zientara

What happens if you have solar and the power goes out?

Typical home solar installations shut down during a blackout, but you can keep the lights on in 1 of 3 ways: a generator, battery, or a special solar inverter.

Written by Ben Zientara

What happens if you have solar and the power goes out?
Generac PWRcell expert review: is it the right battery for you?

The Generac PWRcell is a home solar battery backup system that stands apart from the competition. Find out if it's right for your home here.

Written by Ben Zientara

Generac PWRcell expert review: is it the right battery for you?
How Much Electricity Prices Increase Per Year in the U.S.

The average electricity cost increase per year in the U.S. is about 2-3%, but several factors can affect that rate for individual states and utility companies.

Written by Ben Zientara

How Much Electricity Prices Increase Per Year in the U.S.
LG solar batteries expert review: is one right for your home?

LG solar batteries can power your home in an outage and store excess energy from solar panels. Are they the best choice for your home?

Written by Ben Zientara

LG solar batteries expert review: is one right for your home?
How heat pumps reduce energy consumption and work with solar panels

Heat pumps are the key to electrifying your home's HVAC and water heating. They can be paired with solar panels and batteries to massively reduce emissions and change the way you use energy.

Written by Ben Zientara

How heat pumps reduce energy consumption and work with solar panels
Guide to going solar in PG&E territory

Our guide to getting solar panels for your home if you’re a Pacific Gas & Electric customer. PG&E solar programs can ensure you save a lot for years to come.

Written by Ben Zientara

Guide to going solar in PG&E territory