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

NJ State House

Markets & Policy

New Jersey legalizes plug-in solar up to 1,200 W The bill signed by Governor Mikie Sherrill takes effect on March 1, 2027, allowing New Jerseyites to install and use portable solar generation devices of up to 1,200 watts, with protections for renters and HOA members and additional exemptions for devices that output 400 watts or less.

Ben Zientara

Sep 02, 2026

Markets & Policy

Section 232 tariffs push U.S. module prices to 2023 levels, but analysts see a path back to $0.30/W New minimum import prices and tariffs imposed under Section 232 have driven solar module spot prices to above 40 cents per watt, but market forces in the coming years could result in floor pricing near 30 cents as domestic assembly scales, according to Intertek CEA.

Ben Zientara

Sep 01, 2026

Markets & Policy

Nextnova announces plans for 2 GW solar cell manufacturing in Oklahoma The company, a partner of Thornova Solar, says it expects to begin mass production by March 2027, employing as many as 300 people. Nextnova says the facility could expand to 5 GW in annual capacity as market demand grows.

Ben Zientara

Aug 28, 2026

Markets & Policy

Shoals awarded more than $96 million in damages in patent dispute with Voltage A North Carolina jury has found that Voltage willfully infringed Shoals’ patents, awarding the company more than $96 million in damages. Voltage says it will seek a review of the verdict and a new trial.

Ben Zientara

Aug 28, 2026

Markets & Policy

California plug-in solar bill earns approval of both legislative houses The California state Assembly has passed SB 868, known as the Plug and Play Solar Act. Pending Senate concurrence in amendments made to the bill by the Assembly, California is one step away from passing its highly-anticipated plug-in solar legislation.

Ben Zientara

Aug 26, 2026

A large solar array featuring older monocrystalline modules

Markets & Policy

Report alleges U.S. solar recycling is mostly landfilling, offshoring in disguise A new white paper from Sustainable Source Studios cites regulatory filings, industry disclosures and IEA lifecycle datasets in concluding that most U.S. solar module recycling yields degraded, landfilled, or offshored material.

Ben Zientara

Aug 21, 2026

An aerial view of a home solar installation

Technology & Products

When solar is sold by AI agents Wave Sales says its new AI voice agents can increase customer satisfaction and cut installer soft costs by helping to guide home solar customers through a multi-month installation process using the company’s proprietary memory layer and industry-specific integrations.

Ben Zientara

Aug 17, 2026

SEG Solar facility in Tomball, Texas

Markets & Policy

SEG Solar opens 4 GW Texas module factory The company said it plans to have 10.6 GW of operational module assembly capacity by 2027, with a future HJT cell facility also planned for the U.S.

Ben Zientara

Aug 11, 2026

Sofab Inks employees holding the company's test cells

Technology & Products

Sofab Inks announces $6 million funding to advance novel perovskite ETL materials The Kentucky-based startup says the funding will support efforts to commercialize its Tinfab metal-oxide electron transport layer (ETL) material, which it claims is up to ten times more effective than materials currently in widespread use.

Ben Zientara

Jul 22, 2026

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