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

LG to close solar business - what does this mean for people who have or want LG solar panels?

Thi Deremer

March 2, 2022

LG to close solar business - what does this mean for people who have or want LG solar panels?

LG announced it will stop manufacturing solar panels in 2022. What now?

The Sense energy monitor review: is it worth it?

Thi Deremer

February 27, 2020

The Sense energy monitor review: is it worth it?

Adding a Sense Energy Monitor to your solar installation can provide insight into how much energy you use, how much your solar panels produce & more.

Is a DC or AC battery right for your solar home?

Thi Deremer

April 7, 2020

Is a DC or AC battery right for your solar home?

Comparing DC and AC solar batteries and providing guidance on which is better for your home solar installation.

PERC solar cells - are they the best choice?

Thi Deremer

March 11, 2021

PERC solar cells - are they the best choice?

PERC is a technology that makes solar panels more efficient by adding extra layers to traditional silicon solar cells. Find out if they’re right for you.

The state of net metering in the United States in 2021

Thi Deremer

January 26, 2021

The state of net metering in the United States in 2021

This annual report ranks the states for friendliness to home solar based on their net metering programs.

How your utility company can make it harder to go solar

Thi Deremer

March 27, 2018

How your utility company can make it harder to go solar

Here are the ways utilities have increased costs for future solar owners: Utility strategy 1: Time-of-use billing. Utility strategy 2: Non-bypassable charges. Utility strategy 3: Demand and grid-access charges. Utility strategy 4: Increasing minimum month

Recycling solar panels: What happens when they no longer work?

Thi Deremer

April 13, 2018

Recycling solar panels: What happens when they no longer work?

Recycling solar panels: What happens when they no longer work?

How to use PVWatts to figure out the ideal size for your solar system

Thi Deremer

July 15, 2019

How to use PVWatts to figure out the ideal size for your solar system

PVWatts is a useful tool that to estimate annual electricity production from solar panels on your roof. Our method can help you find your ideal system size.

Meet two inspiring teens who are using the sun to help people hear and drink clean water

Thi Deremer

February 28, 2018

Meet two inspiring teens who are using the sun to help people hear and drink clean water

Each year since 2001, the Gloria Barron Prize is awarded to 25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and the environment. This year, we're pleased to announce that two of those amazing young peopl