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

Expert review of HomeGrid solar batteries

Everything you need to know about solar battery newcomer HomeGrid, including cost, specs, and how the brand compares to the likes of Tesla's Powerwall and LG.

Written by Ben Zientara

Review of LG solar panels

LG solar panels offer incredible performance with high efficiency. These benefits come at a high cost - are they worth it?"

Written by Ben Zientara

Will solar panels survive a nuclear EMP (and dear God, why do we have to think about this?)

A nuclear weapon can cause an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), which can disrupt everything that uses electronic circuitry. Will solar panels survive, and what can you do to provide EMP protection?

Written by Ben Zientara

What is Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), and why should you care?

Levelized Cost Of Energy (LCOE) is a way to help people compare the cost of two different ways of paying for energy over long periods of time.

Written by Ben Zientara

Should you buy a SimpliPhi battery for your home?

SimpliPhi makes lithium ferro phosphate batteries for all kinds of uses. Here's an expert review of the company's products, including the latest SimpliPhi ESS.

Written by Ben Zientara

How to find and claim solar panel rebates

Depending on your state and utility company, you may be eligible for solar rebates that can reduce your cost to install solar panels. See if you're eligible here.

Written by Ben Zientara