NORWICH - The Chenango County is touting the perks of a community solar program that could change the way local municipalities power their facilities and, in turn, allow residents to do the same.

The county’s newly launched solar program allows towns to enroll their municipal buildings in a local community solar farm model, giving taxpayers a potential break on town utility bills. According to Chenango County Planning Director Shane Butler, towns could see as much as a 10 percent savings on electricity, in addition to a $100 enrollment bonus for every meter enrolled in locally sourced solar power.

The county would also receive grant opportunities from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and a $100 donation from Solstice, the company behind the community solar program.

Butler said this offer to municipalities extends on the same deals available to other local entities including homes, businesses and nonprofits who are eligible to enroll in the county’s solarize program.