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

What ADT’s acquisition of Sunpro means for homeowners - and the solar industry

Home security giant ADT is set to acquire Sunpro Solar at the end of 2021 - what does this mean for homeowners and the solar industry as a whole?

Written by Ben Zientara

SunPower vs. Sunrun: Is one of these top companies right for you?

SunPower and Sunrun are two big names in the solar industry, offering home solar panels, batteries, and EV chargers across the country. Which one is the best?

Written by Ben Zientara

Tax exemptions for home solar power - how to save on sales and property taxes

Solar panels may increase property tax or cost you hundreds of dollars in sales tax - unless your state offers solar tax exemptions. Here's what's out there.

Written by Ben Zientara

EnFin solar loans: What consumers need to know

EnFin is a newer solar lending company in the U.S. market. Here's what consumers need to know to make an educated decision about choosing EnFin as their lender.

Written by Ben Zientara

Expert review of Qcells solar panels for 2024

A complete review of Qcells solar panels, including their efficiency, warranty, and cost. If you've gotten a solar quote featuring Qcells, learn more about them here.

Written by Ben Zientara

Review of LG solar panels

LG solar panels offer incredible performance with high efficiency. These benefits come at a high cost - are they worth it?"

Written by Ben Zientara