About Ben Zientara

Ben Zientara - Author of Solar Reviews

Ben Zientara

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 Ben Zientara

The best solar batteries in January 2024

Ben Zientara

December 5, 2023

The best solar batteries in January 2024

The best solar batteries for home use in 2024 are the Enphase IQ 5P, Panasonic Evervolt, Canadian Solar EP Cube, Tesla Powerwall 2, and LG Energy Solution RESU Prime 16H.

Chinese solar panels: Are they any good?

Ben Zientara

May 17, 2019

Chinese solar panels: Are they any good?

Chinese solar panels seem to be everywhere nowadays. But are they high quality? And more importantly, should you get them for your home? We take a look.

Low-income solar incentives in the U.S.

Ben Zientara

July 2, 2020

Low-income solar incentives in the U.S.

Across the U.S., several states have programs that provide free solar panels for low-income households.

What is a solar charge controller and why are they important?

Ben Zientara

March 25, 2021

What is a solar charge controller and why are they important?

Everything you need to know about solar charge controllers, including what they are and the best ones on the market.

Tested: The best solar generators of 2023

Ben Zientara

September 12, 2023

Tested: The best solar generators of 2023

We tested a dozen of the top portable solar generators on the market and uncovered the 5 best options for the varying needs of different kinds of people.

What are Time of Use rates - and when is electricity cheapest?

Ben Zientara

April 27, 2020

What are Time of Use rates - and when is electricity cheapest?

Time of Use rates change the price of electricity based on demand during the day. Electricity is cheapest when not many people are using it, late at night.

How many solar panels are needed for a 2,000-square-foot home?

Ben Zientara

August 3, 2022

How many solar panels are needed for a 2,000-square-foot home?

To make the average amount of energy used by a home in America, a 2,000 sq. ft. home would need between 16 and 21 solar panels.

Expert review of the LG Energy Solution RESU Battery: is it right for your home?

Ben Zientara

October 10, 2020

Expert review of the LG Energy Solution RESU Battery: is it right for your home?

When it comes to lithium ion home solar batteries, LG RESU batteries are some of the best. Here’s a full review of the benefits, cost, and incentives available.

What homeowners need to know about net metering in Michigan

Ben Zientara

May 26, 2022

What homeowners need to know about net metering in Michigan

Michigan homeowners can now sign up for the Distributed Generation Program, in place of net metering. How do the savings compare, and is solar still worth it?