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
Solar monitoring systems help homeowners see whether their solar panels are working and how much electricity they make, tracked over time to compare.
Written by Ben Zientara
Each year since 2001, the Gloria Barron Prize is awarded to 25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and the environment. This year, we're pleased to announce that two of those amazing young people received the prize because of the innovative, inspiring ways they use solar.
Written by Ben Zientara
Wisconsin's solar net metering allows homeowners to send power back to the grid and earn credit on their electricity bills. Here's how it works.
Written by Ben Zientara
Some solar installers use inflated estimates of utility price growth to make it seem like savings will be higher than they likely will. It's time to stop.
Written by Ben Zientara
SunPower and Sunrun are two big names in the solar industry, offering home solar panels, batteries, and EV chargers across the country. Which one is the best?
Written by Ben Zientara
The Geneverse HomePower TWO PRO is a good choice for people who want protection from power outages and a way to keep essential appliances running in a power outage.
Written by Ben Zientara
