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
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
In August 2022, Pink Energy (aka Power Home Solar) filed suit against Generac Power Systems. Here's a rundown of the claims and evidence.
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
The best portable solar panels to help you take power on the go, charge your devices, and fill up a portable solar battery with electricity.
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
Our expert breakdown on the new Generac PWRcell 2 home battery, including cost, functionality, and features.
Written by Ben Zientara
