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 - 2024 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

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

Expert review of the Geneverse HomePower TWO PRO Solar Generator

The Geneverse HomePower TWO PRO is a good choice for people who want protection from power outages and a way to keep essential appliances running in a power outage.

Written by Ben Zientara

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

kW vs. kWh: Watts, kilowatts, and kilowatt-hours explained

Watts and kilowatts (kW) are measures of power, or ability to do work, while kilowatt-hours (kWh) are measures of energy, which is power used over time.

Written by Ben Zientara

SunPower layoffs: around 1,000 workers to lose their jobs as direct residential installations cease

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

Written by Ben Zientara