Berkshire County communities are being encouraged to apply for a statewide program to increase the use of solar electricity. The program links people with a company that provides solar power to homes. YNN's Madeleine Rivera talked to one family that participated in the program and has more.

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BERKSHIRE COUNTY, MA -- Berkshire County towns and cities are encouraged to apply for Solarize Mass, which promotes the use of solar electricity throughout the state.

Pittsfield and Lenox are two of the 17 communities that were selected for the program in 2012. So far, solar panels have been installed in about 30 homes.

The installation company, Astrum Solar, said they're halfway done and should finish installation in all the homes by the spring.

Those who have the solar panels say they've already seen some savings.

Pittsfield resident Pete Rentz said, “It's functioned pretty much flawlessly, and like I say, it's made a noticeable reduction in our electric bill.”

Pittsfield Solarize Coach Nate Joyner said, “Solar right now is a great way to address global warming, while keeping local money local. Instead of shipping money overseas for oil, we're able to generate the energy locally, keeps the money in the local economy.”

Cities and towns have until February 20 to apply for the program.