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
A Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a law that requires electric utilities in a state to generate a certain percentage of electricity from renewable sources by a certain date. The RPS is also used to determine the amount and type of incentives available for solar buyers. That's about as simple as we can put it.
Written by Ben Zientara
Is it a good financial decision to go solar as a SMUD customer? Learn about SMUD solar programs and find out if solar panels are right for you!
Written by Ben Zientara
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
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
Reviewing the top-rated U.S. solar panel manufacturers in 2024.
Written by Ben Zientara
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