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
Reviewing the top-rated U.S. solar panel manufacturers in 2024.
Written by Ben Zientara
The Illinois Shines Adjustable Block Program was renewed as part of Illinois' new Climate And Equitable Jobs Act. Find out what this means for solar system owners in the state
Written by Ben Zientara
If you're like most PPL customers, you pay a lot every month for electricity. Pay yourself instead by adding solar panels to your home.
Written by Ben Zientara
Solar loans let you get solar panels with no upfront costs. We look at whether they are worth it, and how you can find the best one.
Written by Ben Zientara
The countries that use the most solar energy are not always the sunniest. China, The United States, Japan, India, and Germany top the list for 2024.
Written by Ben Zientara
On November 12, 2024, Bluetti launched its new Elite 200 V2, a premium portable power station with long-lasting, automotive-grade lithium iron phosphate cells.
Written by Ben Zientara
