Solar businesses: Conn. incentives too short-term

WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) - Solar businesses say Connecticut's approach to solar energy is too short-term.

The board of directors of the Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority approved a $7.5 million incentive program to reduce the cost to homeowners to install residential solar systems.

The Republican American reports that Michael Trahan, executive director of Solar Connecticut, a nonprofit organization that promotes solar power, said business owners expected the board to set long-term guidelines to encourage investments.

A spokesman says Commissioner Daniel Esty of the Department of Energy and Environmental Policy insists adjustments can be made if necessary to broaden the scope and scale of residential solar power.

The incentives are for about 15 months and solar business owners say a longer-term approach is needed to attract investment in Connecticut.