The provincial government announced the investment of millions of dollars to help towns and farms to start using solar power.

The Alberta government said $5 million was being invested to help municipalities and farmers start using solar power with a solar energy incentive program as part of the province’s Climate Leadership Plan.

As part of the program, municipalities who install solar panels on public buildings like fire halls and community centres, would be eligible for rebates up to $300,000.

Farmers would be eligible for rebates of up to $500,000.

It’s hoped the program will also help create jobs.

“In many ways this is a way for us to pilot new investments and also a way to make sure we are delivering for communities,” Environment Minister Shannon Phillips said. “On the job creation aspects of the economy right now, when the economy needs it the most.”

Applications open Monday for farms, and on March 1 for municipalities.