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

How SCE customers can save money with solar panels

Southern California Edison (SCE) has solar programs that can help you save money on energy bills, but they are set to expire soon.

Written by Ben Zientara

How SCE customers can save money with solar panels
Guide to Duke Energy solar programs in Florida

Duke Energy in Florida offers full retail net metering that allows solar panels to lower electric bills substantially.

Written by Ben Zientara

Guide to Duke Energy solar programs in Florida
Guide to TECO solar programs in 2023

TECO offers two solar savings programs for Florida residents, and one will save you substantially more than the other. We explain each (and which one you should sign up for) in our latest blog.

Written by Ben Zientara

Guide to TECO solar programs in 2023
How to claim the solar tax credit: IRS Form 5695 instructions (2024)

Step-by-step instructions for using IRS Form 5695 to claim the 30% federal solar tax credit.

Written by Ben Zientara

How to claim the solar tax credit: IRS Form 5695 instructions (2024)
Guide to net metering in Florida - 2024 update

Does Florida do net metering? Is net metering going away? Here are the answers to your questions about net metering in the Sunshine State.

Written by Ben Zientara

Guide to net metering in Florida - 2024 update
Solar Ready Vets and other solar jobs programs for veterans

The Solar Ready Vets program helps soldiers get training in the solar industry and move into great jobs after they leave the military.

Written by Ben Zientara

Solar Ready Vets and other solar jobs programs for veterans