Cloudy Future Scaring Off Local Solar Companies

Stakeholders in Connecticut's solar industry desire a new "solar only" bill to revitalize what they feel is a dim situation.

Since Gov. M. Jodi Rell vetoed a sweeping energy bill earlier this summer, several local solar businesses have decamped for neighboring states. Mike Trahan, executive director of CT Solar, an industry trade group representing about 50 companies, conceded the bill had problems.

But with six months left in Rell's term, Trahan said the issue won't go away.

"We need to get a long-term solar strategy in the state," Trahan said. "I am hopeful this governor will see the merits of a solar only bill. Part of the blame should go toward what turned into an omnibus bill."

Although Rell supported some of the bill's items, including increased investment in solar industry, its omnibus nature did indeed make it impossible to pass, according to local politicians.

Trahan said after the veto gallows humor circulated the floor, with some solar proponents joking a rideshare agreement to New Jersey should be passed.

Some solar businesses have since moved their physical assets out of state.

Ridgefield resident Dwayne Escola of Northeast Smart Energy moved his business to New Jersey. Escola said he was disappointed the bill failed.

"It would have revitalized the solar industry in Connecticut. Right now there are no incentives for commercial enterprises," said Escola.

Wilton-based Alteris, located near I-95, can easily reach neighboring states. The 30-year-old solar and wind company has 140 employees in New England, New York and New Jersey. It installed solar panels on Wilton's Montessori School as well as on the Westport Fire House, Stop & Shop in Fairfield and Bigelow Tea in Fairfield.

However, because of the sensitive nature of pursuing a solar only bill the company couldn't comment at this time, said Lauren Faig of Alteris.

The issue is far from extinguished.

It's also become a gubernatorial campaign issue. The two Democratic candidates for governor, Dan Malloy and Ned Lamont, have embraced the legislation and called Rell's veto "shortsighted" and a "mistake."

Trahan hopes that Rell will call a special session to vote on a solar only bill. Should that happen, some local politicians would vote yes.

"I would absolutely be in favor of a solar only bill," State Sen. Toni Boucher said. "The bill wasn't good. It was a meat grinder. They should absolutely require it to be separate [solar]."

Escola, who serves on the Ridgefield Energy Action Committee, has also worked with the Wilton Energy Commission. He said Connecticut must be more committed to renewable energy.

"There are more incentives to oil companies than to renewables," Escola said.

For now, regardless of the veto, Connecticut residents will still pay a surcharge of  1/3 penny for each kilowatt-hour. That surcharge goes into the CT Clean Energy Fund to help pay for residential and commercial solar installations. Right now there is between $26 million and $27 million in the fund.

But the fund often runs out of money, Trahan said. Currently there is no money in the coffers for commercial work and almost none for residential.