CANTON -- The village is launching two programs to get more business, residential and municipal solar installations in the village, with state and federal help.

The Solarize Canton campaign is underway, aiming to increase solar power installations at residences and businesses in the village. Information meetings are set for June 10, 13 and 18.

The program offers information and education to explain options and the costs, incentives, and state and federal tax credits available.

Proposals from installers have been solicited, and a rigorous selection process considered installer pricing, experience, and service. The review team took the research and homework out of that process for you and selected two well-qualified local firms.

To learn more about Solarize Canton and the opportunity to save money on electric bills, information sessions are set.

The June 10 meeting, for those interested in commercial installations, is to be held at 9:30 a.m. in the Grasse River Heritage Room at One Rushton Place, sponsored by the Canton Merchants Association.

Information sessions will be held Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Canton Free Library and Thursday, June 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 3 1/2 East Main St. Representatives from the two installation firms that have been selected and from the Canton Solarize Committee members will be on hand to answer questions.

There is more information at www.solarizecanton.com.

Meanwhile the Village of Canton has taken preliminary steps toward a separate program to provide solar power for village buildings and functions, including the fire station, municipal building, waste water treatment plants, fresh water pump stations, golf course, and even street lights. “This will save tax-payer dollars – an estimated $2 million during the first 20 years – and makes a strong statement about Canton’s commitment to the health of our environment,” said Village Trustee Carol Pynchon.

“These exciting programs are being introduced and implemented by a forward-thinking Village Board and a committed and engaged Village Sustainability Committee,” Pynchon said.

Questions can be answered by Pynchon, Canton Sustainability Committee and Solarize Canton Team Leader Louise Gava, and members of the Solarize Canton Committee, Carol Gable, Phil LaMarche, Michael Lawrence, and Doug Welch.