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

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?

For a basic 6 kilowatt (kW) residential solar installation, this means your solar system will cost $14,820 before the 26 percent federal ITC tax credit, and $10,966 after the credit is applied.

Written by Ben Zientara

How much do solar panels cost in Chicago, IL and what is the payback period?
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?
BougeRV Yuma solar panel review: is this the right portable panel for you?

The BougeRV Yuma solar panel is a flexible, lightweight, thin, portable solar panel that generates lots of power and mounts without drilling. We recommend it!

Written by Ben Zientara

BougeRV Yuma solar panel review: is this the right portable panel for you?
Expert review of the Anker SOLIX X1 home battery

The Anker SOLIX X1 is a new modular home battery with 6 kW of power output and up to 30 kWh in a single installation. Is it any good?

Written by Ben Zientara

Expert review of the Anker SOLIX X1 home battery