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

Off-Peak Hours Explained: Is Electricity Cheaper at Night?

Electricity is cheaper at night. To save money, you can shift your energy usage away from evening peak hours with smart appliances and solar batteries.

Written by Ben Zientara

Off-Peak Hours Explained: Is Electricity Cheaper at Night?
Enphase battery review: Cost, specifications, and availability

The Enphase IQ solar battery system can help you save money on energy and keep your home powered in an outage. Here's our word on whether it's the best solar battery available.

Written by Ben Zientara

Enphase battery review: Cost, specifications, and availability
Will an electric vehicle REALLY help you combat high gas prices?

With gas prices rising, many people wonder: Is making the switch to an expensive electric vehicle the best way to avoid pain at the pump?

Written by Ben Zientara

Will an electric vehicle REALLY help you combat high gas prices?
The 10 best states for home solar

Have you ever wondered what states are best for home solar? We crunched the numbers and found out.

Written by Ben Zientara

The 10 best states for home solar
Waaree solar panels expert review for 2024

Waaree solar panels are now available in the United States. Are they a good choice for your home? Learn more about cost, availability, and specifications here!

Written by Ben Zientara

Waaree solar panels expert review for 2024