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

Recycling solar panels: What happens when they no longer work?

Solar panels can be recycled, but the solar panel recycling industry is still in its early stages.

Written by Ben Zientara

Recycling solar panels: What happens when they no longer work?
How many solar batteries do you need in California?

There are many reasons you might want a solar battery in California. Choose the right one for you with this handy guide!

Written by Ben Zientara

How many solar batteries do you need in California?
The Best 100-watt Solar Panels: Guide to Usage and What You Can Run

SolarReviews' guide to the best 100-watt solar panels for generating enough solar power to run small appliances or recharge solar batteries.

Written by Ben Zientara

The Best 100-watt Solar Panels: Guide to Usage and What You Can Run
NEM 3.0 in California: What homeowners need to know about Net Billing

NEM 3.0 is here, with a new type of solar rate plan called Net Billing. There's reduced compensation for excess solar energy and increased incentive to install batteries, but you can still save money with solar in California.

Written by Ben Zientara

NEM 3.0 in California: What homeowners need to know about Net Billing
Why California electricity bills are so high and what you can do about it

In 2023, the average monthly residential electricity bill in California is $164, which is over 20% higher than the average bill in the USA.

Written by Ben Zientara

Why California electricity bills are so high and what you can do about it
Tested: The best solar generators of 2024

We tested a dozen of the top portable solar generators on the market and uncovered the 5 best options for the varying needs of different kinds of people.

Written by Ben Zientara

Tested: The best solar generators of 2024