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

How SCE customers can save money with solar panels

Southern California Edison (SCE) customers pay an average of $350 per month. Solar panels can reduce that to just $10.

Written by Ben Zientara

How SCE customers can save money with solar panels
Solar loans: Everything you need to know

Solar loans let you get solar panels with no upfront costs. We look at whether they are worth it, and how you can find the best one.

Written by Ben Zientara

Solar loans: Everything you need to know
Guide to Duke Energy solar programs in Florida

Duke Energy in Florida offers full retail net metering that allows solar panels to lower electric bills substantially.

Written by Ben Zientara

Guide to Duke Energy solar programs in Florida
Guide to TECO solar programs in 2025

An expert breakdown of TECO's two solar savings programs for Florida residents. Discover which one will save you substantially more money.

Written by Ben Zientara

Guide to TECO solar programs in 2025
Guide to the PG&E Solar Billing Plan: How Much You Can Save with Solar Power

Guide to the new PG&E solar energy plan that covers net billing, solar energy costs and savings, and steps to go solar.

Written by Ben Zientara

Guide to the PG&E Solar Billing Plan: How Much You Can Save with Solar Power
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?