Malloy Visits Solar Company As Part of "Jobs Tour"

Governor Dannel Malloy continued his “jobs tour” today. He visited a company in Somers, with 121 employees, which designs and manufactures a key component of solar panels. WNPR’s Nancy Cohen reports.

STR or Specialized Technology Resources makes a film that protects photo voltaic panels from sunlight and rain. It extends the life of the panels so they can be guaranteed for 25 years. Earlier this summer the Governor signed an energy bill that, among other things, provides financial incentives to utilities that essentially “buy local”. Utilities that  buy energy produced by renewable technologies that are either researched or produced in Connecticut are eligible for the incentives.

“I think there’s something in the energy bill for promoting this industry, that is, the production of their product. More importantly to help the photo voltaic industry grow in the state of Connecticut.”

Specialized Technology Resources controls 30 to 40% of the global market for its product. Environmental Commissioner Dan Esty was also on the tour.

“It’s a phenomenal example of an innovative product  commanding a significant  position in the global market place and representing what I think Connecticut is trying to  drive for, which is to harness the entrepreneurial  talent of the state and to insure we are positioned to be leaders in the clean energy future.”

Esty says the state is eager to promote Connecticut competitiveness and Connecticut jobs through clean energy.

For WNPR I’m Nancy Cohen.