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.
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
The average solar panel produces 2 kWh of energy per day, but the actual amount depends on where you live and the size of the solar panel.
Written by Ben Zientara
LADWP offers several solar programs for its customers, including net metering, Solar Rooftops, and Shared Solar. Save money with solar in Los Angeles!
Written by Ben Zientara
Solar panel repairs are not common, but they can cost between $400 and $1,000 depending on the issue, labor cost, and warranty coverage.
Written by Ben Zientara
Step-by-step instructions for using IRS Form 5695 to claim the 30% federal solar tax credit on your 2024 tax forms in 2025.
Written by Ben Zientara
Heat pumps are the key to electrifying your home's HVAC and water heating to massively reduce emissions and change the way you use energy.
Written by Ben Zientara