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

Questions to ask solar companies before you sign a contract

As you're evaluating solar companies, it's important to ask questions about the company, the equipment, money, the work being done, and the future. Here's how.

Written by Ben Zientara

Questions to ask solar companies before you sign a contract
Solar panel payback period and ROI: How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves?

Solar panel payback period and ROI: How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves?

Written by Ben Zientara

Solar panel payback period and ROI: How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves?
Enphase vs. SolarEdge: which is the best choice for your home solar system?

Learn more about Enphase and SolarEdge and which choice is best for your home solar system.

Written by Ben Zientara

Enphase vs. SolarEdge: which is the best choice for your home solar system?
Bluetti solar generators expert review: choose the right one for you

Bluetti primarily makes portable solar generators, battery backup systems, and foldable solar panels. Check out our expert review today.

Written by Ben Zientara

Bluetti solar generators expert review: choose the right one for you
Overview of Connecticut net metering (Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program)

The state of Connecticut changed its net metering program for solar homeowners in January 2022. It now comes in two options and provides even more savings than its predecessor.

Written by Ben Zientara

Overview of Connecticut net metering (Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program)