Author

Ben-Zientara_USA-Freelancer-scaled

Ben-Zientara_USA-Freelancer-scaled

Ben Zientara

Ben Zientara is a journalist, writer, and policy analyst in the solar industry, where he has worked since 2014. Currently the Associate Editor of pv magazine USA, his written work has informed a broad variety of audiences, teaching homeowners about the state policy and incentives that enable their dreams of going solar and keeping industry professionals up to date on the latest news about solar technology, finance, legislation, and regulatory policy.

In addition to his written work, Ben has hosted informational videos for the SolarReviews online platform and addressed audiences of industry professionals at multiple NABCEP CE conferences. His solar policy analysis work has been covered by both clean energy trade publications and national media outlets like Fast Company, NPR, Politifact, and the New York Times, and is currently included in the annual Community Power Scorecard from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

[email protected]

Articles written by Ben Zientara

Research & Development

New research highlights the value of solar and energy efficiency in the home buying process Research on the effects of clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades in the home buying process reveals a premium for homes with solar panels and heat pumps, but a disconnect between what consumers say they want and information available in listings and from agents.

Ben Zientara

Jun 19, 2026

Jackery HomePower lineup

Technology & Products

Jackery announces new home backup products Jackery’s latest products provide power for home devices its customers identify as the most essential, and might also some day serve grid operators with a distributed off-grid VPP.

Ben Zientara

Jun 18, 2026

A RETC employee examines a junction box on the back of a bifacial solar module

Technology & Products

US laboratory finds persistent ultraviolet light-induced degradation in solar modules While 19 manufacturers received recognition as high achievers in RETC’s 2026 testing sequences, problems with ultraviolet-induced degradation in solar modules persist, while failing “red flag” scores increased in tests for damp heat and thermal cycling.

Ben Zientara

Jun 05, 2026

ACP map of clean project pipeline

Markets & Policy

US adds 6.4 GW of utility-scale solar, wind, storage in Q1 Report from the American Clean Power Association finds told clean power capacity in the U.S. hit 370 GW in Q1, enough to power 80 million homes, while the pipeline for new projects grew 6% over the previous year.

Ben Zientara

Jun 04, 2026

Applications & Installations

The hidden underperformance crisis in solar portfolios Solar technology has come a long way. Modules are more efficient, inverters are more capable, and system design has become increasingly refined. On paper, the industry is positioned to deliver highly predictable performance. But in the field the story is often different.

Nader Yarpezeshkan

Jun 03, 2026

Photo of construction equipment at SEG Solar facility

Markets & Policy

SEG Solar announces third U.S. manufacturing site The company says the planned 4.6 GW facility will bring its total domestic capacity to 10.6 GW and support its transition to next-generation HJT cell technology.

Ben Zientara

Jun 02, 2026

The Tandem PV demonstration module under test conditions

Technology & Products

Tandem PV announces 30.4% efficient perovskite/silicon demonstration module The 100 cm² mini-module, featuring the company’s proprietary 4-terminal perovskite glass layer atop a high-efficiency Maxeon IBC silicon solar cell, is now in third-party certification. Company CEO Scott Wharton says the breakthrough paves the way for full-size modules that hit 28% efficiency later this year, aimed at the utility-scale market.

Ben Zientara

Jun 01, 2026

Mapa de la ACP de Estados Unidos que muestra instalaciones de fabricación de energía limpia actuales y previstas.

Markets & Policy

The U.S. will have more than 950 clean energy manufacturing facilities by 2030: report A report from the American Clean Power Association says 825 existing clean energy manufacturing facilities currently support more than 215,000 American jobs at wages 35% higher than the average, contributing $31 billion to the U.S. GDP annually. The number of jobs is expected to grow to 374,000 by 2030.

Ben Zientara

Jun 01, 2026

A technician performs mechanical load testing on a solar module in the Kiwa PVEL testing laboratory

Technology & Products

Kiwa PVEL’s 2026 solar module reliability scorecard reveals high failure rates amid incremental increases in performance For the first time in the independent testing laboratory’s 12-year history, no single module has achieved the coveted “top performer” rating in all tests, and a record 87% of manufacturers experienced at least one failure during testing.

Ben Zientara

May 28, 2026

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