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

Solar panels to charge an electric car: everything you need to know

Thi Deremer

December 11, 2018

Solar panels to charge an electric car: everything you need to know

Electric cars and home solar panels are a match made in heaven. Just a few panels on your roof can make all the “fuel” your electric vehicle needs - for life.

Solar incentives in the USA: what’s out there and how to claim it

Thi Deremer

July 26, 2018

Solar incentives in the USA: what’s out there and how to claim it

With all the incentives available, customers can typically recover their investment within 5-8 years, which means you get free electricity and extra credits for the remainder of the 25-year period.

Will solar panels survive a nuclear EMP (and dear God, why do we have to think about this?)

Thi Deremer

October 17, 2017

Will solar panels survive a nuclear EMP (and dear God, why do we have to think about this?)

A nuclear weapon can cause an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), which can disrupt everything that uses electronic circuitry. Will solar panels survive, and what can you do to provide EMP protection?

Should you choose a lead acid battery for solar storage?

Thi Deremer

November 27, 2020

Should you choose a lead acid battery for solar storage?

Are lead acid batteries right for you? They may be an old technology, but the design still works well. Deep cycle lead acid batteries are a great way to store solar energy.

The FPL SolarTogether Program: is it worth it?

Thi Deremer

March 16, 2022

The FPL SolarTogether Program: is it worth it?

Florida Power & Light offers the SolarTogether program for residents who wish to support solar energy. But does it provide any real savings?

Questions to ask solar companies before you sign a contract

Thi Deremer

September 26, 2019

Questions to ask solar companies before you sign a contract

Forgetting to ask these questions will surely take a toll on your solar panel installation.

What is net metering and how does it work?

Thi Deremer

June 21, 2023

What is net metering and how does it work?

Net metering is the utility policy that earns solar owners full credit for energy their systems produce. Each utility has its own rules, and we break them down here.

Expert review of the Franklin Whole Home battery and Home Power System

Thi Deremer

October 18, 2022

Expert review of the Franklin Whole Home battery and Home Power System

The FranklinWH Home Power System (FHP) is a new whole-home solar backup battery system that could be the most complete solution on the market.

NEM 3.0 in California: What homeowners need to know about Net Billing

Thi Deremer

December 16, 2022

NEM 3.0 in California: What homeowners need to know about Net Billing

NEM 3.0 is here, with a new type of solar rate plan called Net Billing. There's reduced compensation for excess solar energy and increased incentive to install batteries, but you can still save money with solar in California