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

Fortress Power batteries: expert overview

Are Fortress Power batteries any good? Our experts reviewed the quality and functionality of the Fortress Power eFlex, LFP 10-Max, eVault, and Avalon ESS.

Written by Ben Zientara

Fortress Power batteries: expert overview
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

SunPower layoffs: around 1,000 workers to lose their jobs as direct residential installations cease
Is net metering still necessary in 2024?

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 2024?
Lumin Smart Panel Overview: How It Works And Who It’s For

The Lumin Smart Panel provides manual and automatic controls over the power circuits in a home to help save money on electricity and extend the runtime of home batteries

Written by Ben Zientara

Lumin Smart Panel Overview: How It Works And Who It’s For
What are Time of Use rates? TOU Explained

Time of Use rates change the price of electricity based on demand during the day. Electricity is cheapest when not many people are using it, late at night.

Written by Ben Zientara

What are Time of Use rates? TOU Explained
Chinese solar panels: Are they any good?

Chinese solar panels seem to be everywhere nowadays. But are they high quality? And more importantly, should you get them for your home? We take a look.

Written by Ben Zientara

Chinese solar panels: Are they any good?