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

S-Energy solar panels review - are they worth buying?

Thi Deremer

September 9, 2021

S-Energy solar panels review - are they worth buying?

S-Energy is a brand known for its low-cost, high-quality solar panels. Are they the right choice for your home solar project? Find out here.

Sol-Ark inverters expert review: should you choose one for your solar installation?

Thi Deremer

March 8, 2022

Sol-Ark inverters expert review: should you choose one for your solar installation?

Sol-Ark inverters have been popular for off-grid and DIY solar for years, but are they ideal for grid-tied solar systems too? We cover each inverter model's, specs, costs & more in our latest blog.

Duracell Power Center expert review: Will this be the battery you buy?

Thi Deremer

June 27, 2022

Duracell Power Center expert review: Will this be the battery you buy?

Battery giant Duracell released the Duracell Power Center home battery. Is it worth buying?

SunPower monitoring system review and comparison

Thi Deremer

September 15, 2022

SunPower monitoring system review and comparison

If you’re considering going solar with SunPower, read this to learn how their solar monitoring solution stacks up against the competition.

Expert review of HomeGrid solar batteries

Thi Deremer

February 19, 2022

Expert review of HomeGrid solar batteries

Everything you need to know about solar battery newcomer HomeGrid, including cost, specs, and how the brand compares to the likes of Tesla's Powerwall and LG.

Waaree solar panels expert review for 2023

Thi Deremer

March 27, 2023

Waaree solar panels expert review for 2023

Waaree solar panels are now available in the United States. Are they a good choice for your home? Learn more about cost, availability, and specifications here!Waaree solar panels are now available in the United States. Are they a good choice for your home

Should you buy a SimpliPhi battery for your home?

Thi Deremer

January 17, 2023

Should you buy a SimpliPhi battery for your home?

SimpliPhi makes lithium ferro phosphate batteries for all kinds of uses. Here’s an expert review of the company’s products, including the latest SimpliPhi ESS.

SolarReviews’ top 10 solar panel brands in 2023

Thi Deremer

January 31, 2023

SolarReviews’ top 10 solar panel brands in 2023

Each year, we rank the best solar panel manufacturers that produce panels for homeowners and small businesses.

How much electricity prices increase per year in the U.S.

Thi Deremer

May 19, 2021

How much electricity prices increase per year in the U.S.

The average electricity cost increase per year in the U.S. is about 2-3%, but several factors can affect that rate for individual states and utility companies.