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
Explore some of the solar technologies that can actually have an impact in the near future.
Written by Ben Zientara
These solar energy statistics explain the American solar industry, as hundreds of companies share their top brands, biggest challenges, and outlook for 2025.
Written by Ben Zientara
On May 12, 2025, the House Ways and Means Committee proposed a plan that would cut the home solar tax credit, which would impact red states the most.
Written by Ben Zientara
Picking the best solar generator for your needs is very important! Here are our picks for the top 5 in 2025, and a guide to finding the best one for you.
Written by Ben Zientara
California Assembly Bill 942 would take away net metering benefits that solar owners were promised by California. Enacting it would be a travesty.
Written by Ben Zientara
On April 28th, 2025, Panasonic North America announced it would end its solar and battery storage business, but support customers throughout their warranty period.
Written by Ben Zientara
