THE BRONX

A new solar program in the Bronx is aiming to help residents save money on their electric bill.

The Community Solar Program allows homeowners, churches, small business and renters to switch to natural energy. However, residents need to be a Con Edison customer to participate in the program.

OnForce Solar installs the panels and partners with Con Edison. Officials say about 1,500 solar panels were recently installed to power more than 100 households across the borough.

The idea is to level the playing field for anybody to participate in solar, whether you have a big house, apartment or no matter where you live, says Charles Feit, of OnForce Solar.

VIDEO: New solar program aims to help Bronx residents save money

Resident Steve Defrank says he pays about $300 a month during the summer and is looking into the program to lower the cost of his electric bill.

The old way doesn't work anymore, so this is a brand-new way I can participate without buying all the equipment, he says.

OnForce Solar officials say a dozen more solar sites will be installed throughout the Bronx in September.