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

What residential solar installers need to stop doing immediately

Thi Deremer

June 9, 2021

What residential solar installers need to stop doing immediately

Some solar installers use inflated estimates of utility price growth to make it seem like savings will be higher than they likely will. It’s time to stop.

How many solar batteries do you need in California?

Thi Deremer

March 6, 2023

How many solar batteries do you need in California?

There are many reasons you might want a solar battery in California. Choose the right one for you with this handy guide!

Illinois renews its best solar incentive under Climate and Equitable Jobs Act

Thi Deremer

October 4, 2021

Illinois renews its best solar incentive under Climate and Equitable Jobs Act

The Illinois Shines Adjustable Block Program was renewed as part of Illinois' new Climate And Equitable Jobs Act. Find out what this means for solar system owners in the state.

How much do solar panels cost in Chicago, IL and what is the payback period?

Thi Deremer

November 23, 2018

How much do solar panels cost in Chicago, IL and what is the payback period?

For a basic 6 kilowatt (kW) residential solar installation, this means your solar system will cost $14,820 before the 26 percent federal ITC tax credit, and $10,966 after the credit is applied.

Eversource New Hampshire: solar incentives, payback period & more

Thi Deremer

April 14, 2022

Eversource New Hampshire: solar incentives, payback period & more

Explaining how home solar works with Eversource, including how to reduce upfront costs, finding incentives & rebates, and determining average payback times.

Guide to going solar in PG&E territory

Thi Deremer

September 20, 2021

Guide to going solar in PG&E territory

Our guide to getting solar panels for your home if you’re a Pacific Gas & Electric customer. PG&E solar programs can ensure you save a lot for years to come.

Solar panel ROI: Calculate how much your solar savings will be

Thi Deremer

October 27, 2020

Solar panel ROI: Calculate how much your solar savings will be

Here’s how to calculate return on investment for your solar panels and compare the ROI of solar to other investments.

Guide to Duke Energy solar programs in Florida

Thi Deremer

January 26, 2022

Guide to Duke Energy solar programs in Florida

Duke Energy in Florida offers 3 solar savings programs for homeowners - which one saves you the most money, and which should you stay away from?

California solar incentives and rebates for 2023

Thi Deremer

April 14, 2020

California solar incentives and rebates for 2023

It is very difficult to search for solar incentives because there are many solar and energy efficiency incentives in CA for which your home would not be eligible. As such, we built this simple California solar incentives calculator that shows only the cur