About Thi Deremer

Thi Deremer - Author of Solar Reviews

Thi Deremer

Solar Policy Analyst and Researcher

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.

Recent articles by Thi Deremer

Pink Energy files lawsuit against Generac, says faulty equipment led to millions in damages

Thi Deremer

August 16, 2022

Pink Energy files lawsuit against Generac, says faulty equipment led to millions in damages

In August 2022, Pink Energy (aka Power Home Solar) filed suit against Generac Power Systems. Here’s a rundown of the claims and evidence.

Why California’s NEM 3.0 could be a disaster for the whole country

Thi Deremer

August 8, 2022

Why California’s NEM 3.0 could be a disaster for the whole country

We’re taking a stand against the proposed decision based on the harm it will do to the California solar industry and the nation as a whole.

Solar Ready Vets and other solar jobs programs for veterans

Thi Deremer

August 11, 2020

Solar Ready Vets and other solar jobs programs for veterans

The Solar Ready Vets program helps soldiers get training and secure jobs in the solar industry.

Will an electric vehicle REALLY help you combat high gas prices?

Thi Deremer

March 17, 2022

Will an electric vehicle REALLY help you combat high gas prices?

It's early 2022 and gas prices are the highest they've ever been. Is making the switch to an expensive electric vehicle the best way to avoid pain at the pump?

Overview of Connecticut net metering (Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program)

Thi Deremer

March 29, 2022

Overview of Connecticut net metering (Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program)

The state of Connecticut changed its net metering program for solar homeowners in January 2022. It now comes in two options and provides even more savings than its predecessor.

Solar panel car roofs: are they a good idea?

Thi Deremer

February 20, 2020

Solar panel car roofs: are they a good idea?

Solar panel car roofs are a relatively new phenomenon that promise to use renewable energy to add some charge to the car’s batteries, but short of some absolutely miraculous new physics breakthrough, a fully solar-powered car will not be practical for the

What is a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)?

Thi Deremer

January 29, 2016

What is a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)?

A Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a law that requires electric utilities in a state to generate a certain percentage of electricity from renewable sources by a certain date. The RPS is also used to determine the amount and type of incentives availab

What is a solar carve-out?

Thi Deremer

January 21, 2019

What is a solar carve-out?

A solar-carve out sets a specific goal for electricity generation from solar panels in a state’s energy mix. It often includes incentives for installing solar.

New petition seeks to end net metering across the United States

Thi Deremer

May 20, 2020

New petition seeks to end net metering across the United States

NERA has filed a petition to end net metering. Find out how it can affect solar homeowners and how you can help.