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Ben Zientara

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

BYD Battery Box HVL expert review: cost, specs, and availability

The BYD Battery Box HVL is now available in the U.S. and Canada for home installation. Should you get one?

Written by Ben Zientara

BYD Battery Box HVL expert review: cost, specs, and availability
How much energy does a solar panel produce?

The average solar panel produces 2 kWh of energy per day, but the actual amount depends on where you live and the size of the solar panel.

Written by Ben Zientara

How much energy does a solar panel produce?
LADWP solar programs, incentives, and net metering

LADWP offers several solar programs for its customers, including net metering, Solar Rooftops, and Shared Solar. Save money with solar in Los Angeles!

Written by Ben Zientara

LADWP solar programs, incentives, and net metering
How Much Electricity Prices Increase Per Year in the U.S.

The average electricity cost increase per year in the U.S. is about 2-3%, but several factors can affect that rate for individual states and utility companies.

Written by Ben Zientara

How Much Electricity Prices Increase Per Year in the U.S.
IRS Form 5695 Instructions: How to Claim the Solar Tax Credit (2024 Tax Year)

Step-by-step instructions for using IRS Form 5695 to claim the 30% federal solar tax credit on your 2024 tax forms in 2025.

Written by Ben Zientara

IRS Form 5695 Instructions: How to Claim the Solar Tax Credit (2024 Tax Year)
How SCE customers can save money with solar panels

Southern California Edison (SCE) customers pay an average of $350 per month. Solar panels can reduce that to just $10.

Written by Ben Zientara

How SCE customers can save money with solar panels