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

Markets & Policy

Everything’s bigger in Texas By almost any measure, the story of solar power in Texas has been one of astounding success. The state is by far the country’s fastest-growing solar market. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) records nearly 54 GW of solar and more than 29 GWh of batteries have been installed, while Texas is also growing into a vital hub for the US solar manufacturing industry, as Ben Zientara reports.

Ben Zientara

Oct 08, 2026

A large group of people cut the ribbon at Toyo Solar's Texas factory

Markets & Policy

Toyo cuts the ribbon on its newly-expanded solar factory in Texas Company officers and government officials celebrated the 2 GW expansion of Toyo’s Humble, Texas solar module facility and looked forward to planned heterojunction cell production at the site in 2028.

Ben Zientara

Oct 07, 2026

Balcony solar panels installed on a flat Germany

Markets & Policy

California enacts plug-in solar bill, creating largest US balcony solar market Outgoing California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 868, a law that allows the state’s 39 million residents to use portable solar devices that connect to a home through a receptacle.

Ben Zientara

Oct 02, 2026

Screenshot of trust signal chart showing slight increases in homeowner trust of solar copmanies

Markets & Policy

U.S. homeowners are now slightly less mistrustful of solar companies Sales and design platform provider Aurora Solar tracked a decrease in the incidence of homeowners who reported negative experiences with solar companies in the four most recent quarters.

Ben Zientara

Sep 30, 2026

Markets & Policy

U.S. government finalizes trade duties on solar imports from India, Indonesia, and Laos The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued final dumping and subsidy duty rates on solar imports from India, Indonesia, and Laos, setting combined margins as high as 234% for India, 178% for Indonesia, and 103% for Laos.

Ryan Kennedy, Ben Zientara

Sep 14, 2026

Markets & Policy

U.S. deploys 19.2 GW of solar in H1 The latest Solar Market Insight report from SEIA and Wood Mackenzie reveals a massive 61% jump in the year-over-year volume of utility-scale solar installations during the second quarter, but permitting issues and the looming tax credit cliff are expected to keep growth flat.

Ben Zientara

Sep 11, 2026

Markets & Policy

Suniva raises $835 million to drive 4.5 GW in new solar cell capacity The domestic solar cell manufacturer is building a new $600 million facility in Laurens County, South Carolina, with a planned opening in late 2027 and an expected 564 manufacturing jobs at full capacity.

Ben Zientara

Sep 09, 2026

Sabin Center U.S. map showing restriction status and the numbers of contested projects per state

Markets & Policy

U.S. sees 14% increase in contested renewable projects The sixth annual Opposition to Renewable Energy Facilities in the United States report from researchers at Columbia’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law shows 888 state and local restrictions on renewable development and a total of 567 contested projects.

Ben Zientara

Sep 09, 2026

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

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