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

Guide to net metering in Florida - 2025 update

Does Florida do net metering? Is net metering going away? Here are the answers to your questions about net metering in the Sunshine State.

Written by Ben Zientara

Guide to net metering in Florida - 2025 update
Solar Ready Vets and other solar jobs programs for veterans

The Solar Ready Vets program helps soldiers get training in the solar industry and move into great jobs after they leave the military.

Written by Ben Zientara

Solar Ready Vets and other solar jobs programs for veterans
Duracell Power Center expert review: Will this be the battery you buy?

Battery giant Duracell released the Duracell Power Center home battery. Is it worth buying?

Written by Ben Zientara

Duracell Power Center expert review: Will this be the battery you buy?
How much do solar panels cost in Chicago, IL and what is the payback period?

Solar panels in Chicago will cost $24,265 before incentives on average, but federal, state, and local incentives can help lower the cost by over 30%.

Written by Ben Zientara

How much do solar panels cost in Chicago, IL and what is the payback period?
SunPower layoffs: around 1,000 workers to lose their jobs as direct residential installations cease

On April 24, 2024, SunPower announced it would cease direct solar installations and lay off 1,000 workers but continue operating through partner installers.

Written by Ben Zientara

SunPower layoffs: around 1,000 workers to lose their jobs as direct residential installations cease
Is net metering still necessary in 2025?

High electricity costs and smart appliances have made saving money and maximizing solar self-consumption easier than ever. Does net metering still matter?

Written by Ben Zientara

Is net metering still necessary in 2025?