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

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

What are Time of Use rates - and when is electricity cheapest?

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

Top 5 American solar panel manufacturers in 2024

Reviewing the top-rated U.S. solar panel manufacturers in 2024.

Written by Ben Zientara

Expert review of the Franklin Whole Home battery and Home Power System

The FranklinWH Home Power System (FHP) is a new whole-home solar backup battery system that could be the most complete solution on the market.

Written by Ben Zientara

Expert review of Aptos solar panels for 2024

Aptos is a newer solar panel manufacturer in the U.S. market, but it's growing rapidly each year. Here's a look at their products and whether they're good.

Written by Ben Zientara

How to compare solar quotes and choose the right one for you

Solar quotes are full of numbers and can sometimes be overwhelming. Here's what to look for and how to compare companies to find the best one for you.

Written by Ben Zientara