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

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

How to find and claim solar panel rebates
Should you buy a Briggs & Stratton Energy Storage System for your home?

Briggs & Stratton’s latest home SimpliPhi Energy Storage System is here! Our expert review of the company's products, including the latest SimpliPhi ESS.

Written by Ben Zientara

Should you buy a Briggs & Stratton Energy Storage System for your home?
How to Compare Solar Quotes and Choose the Right One for You

Gathering solar quotes is an essential part of going solar. Here’s our guide to comparing solar quotes to get the best solar installation for your home.

Written by Ben Zientara

How to Compare Solar Quotes and Choose the Right One for You
Exciting new solar technologies that actually matter (and why they matter)

There are breakthroughs in solar technology announced nearly every day from laboratories around the world. Here's a rundown of solar technologies that will actually have an impact in the near future.

Written by Ben Zientara

Exciting new solar technologies that actually matter (and why they matter)
President Biden takes executive action to boost solar - what will it mean for homeowners?

President Biden issued two executive orders to increase the amount of solar installation and manufacturing in the U.S. Will they work?

Written by Ben Zientara

President Biden takes executive action to boost solar - what will it mean for homeowners?
LADWP solar programs, incentives, and net metering

LADWP offers several solar programs for its customers, including net metering, Solar Rooftops, and Shared Solar. Save money with solar in Los Angeles!

Written by Ben Zientara

LADWP solar programs, incentives, and net metering