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

What happens to solar panels in a hurricane?

Ben Zientara

September 17, 2017

What happens to solar panels in a hurricane?

How do solar panels fare in a hurricane? Surprisingly well, it turns out. Learn more about what happens to solar panels in a hurricane today.

Cost of electricity in Los Angeles: How to save money with LADWP

Ben Zientara

August 23, 2022

Cost of electricity in Los Angeles: How to save money with LADWP

Learn more about the cost of electricity in Los Angeles and find out how you can save money with LADWP.

Solar financing: what’s the best way to pay for solar panels?

Ben Zientara

June 12, 2023

Solar financing: what’s the best way to pay for solar panels?

Learn more about the different solar financing options available.

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

Ben Zientara

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

Ben Zientara

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?)

Ben Zientara

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?

Ben Zientara

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?

Ben Zientara

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?

What is net metering and how does it work?

Ben Zientara

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.