New York and Solar Energy?

           Owens Corning, the Fortune 500 buildings materials company, is probably best known for its pink fiberglass insulation. Now it's got another claim to fame: the company's Bethlehem, New York manufacturing plant, already the winner of a New York State Governor's Award for pollution prevention, is, as of [recently], home to one of the largest industrial solar arrays in the Empire State.
          The company had flipped the switch on the 2.7 megawatt installation [on October 15] at noon--just as sunshine broke through the clouds, as if on cue. The solar array was approximately 9,000 ground-mounted photovoltaic panels located on more than 9 acres, on a former cornfield close to the plant. The array demonstrates the benefits of pollution-free electricity, producing enough clean power from the sun to supply some 6% of the plant's electricity needs.
          It also demonstrates the benefits of Governor Cuomo's NY-Sun Initiative, without which this solar array would not have come into being. The initiative is currently funded through 2015, but we hope that with one last push from the Governor, NY-Sun will live on as a 10-year, $150-million-a-year effort to finally make New York a solar leader.
          Sunny states like California, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico are, of course, early leaders in installed solar capacity, but Northeastern states also have a high potential for solar power. Currently, the great state of New York lags behind New Jersey and Massachusetts in total solar power installed. However, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, New York is catching up, thanks to NY-Sun and is now #8 in the country for installed solar power, up from #13 at the beginning of 2013.

Solar-Powered Vending Machines Rent out Bicycle Helmets

      

        A Brooklyn-based company, known as Express Biker, has created a self-serve vending machine which helps cyclists in nearby communities purchase bike parts anytime in the day. The aim for this machine is primarily to help cyclists, who may be riding late at night or far distances from bike shops, in conveniently purchasing any biking needs. Examples of such is as follows: tubes, lights, co2, patch kits, various tools and parts.

       Following such an example, a Bostonian company, Helmethub, has also created a vending machine but it contains only bicycle helmets. Their aim is to help keep cyclists safe and without an excuse for riding helmet-less. In July, however, they are launching another vending machine with a twist: powered by solar energy.

         Each solar-powered vending machine holds 36 helmets and features a touchscreen panel like those on Hubway rental kiosks. Rentals costs approximately $2 and riders also hold the option to purchase one. The machine can dispense three different helmet sizes to make sure if the helmet fits the user properly. 

            When a cyclist is finished with using the helmet, the helmet is picked up by the team and sent back to Helmethub headquarters to be inspected and sanitized before being placed back into the vending machine. The machines, in addition, provides real-time information to the team so that they know when each machine needs to be restocked or used helmets need to be picked up. 

Saving Energy also means Save Money on Taxes

      In early January, it has been claimed that Congress had extended a policy of federal tax credits for energy efficiency users. In other words, it means that homeowners can earn as much as $500 per year for investments in energy-saving windows, water heaters, air conditioners, and a variety of other home improvements. "Rest assured, if you're doing something that's uniquely beneficial for the environment, there's likely a tax credit there," says Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, a tax-return preparation firm headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey.
     According to Steber, insulation, windows, and furnaces are known as being the most commonly used home improvement that qualifies for tax credits. Air-conditioning, water heaters and roofing also are accountable for the tax credits. These home improvements must have been made by 2012 but Steber notes that it's possible to amend tax filings as early as 2009 for earlier purchases.
    For simpler items, homeowners are able to receive a tax credit for 10% of the cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50 to $300. Solar power systems, geothermal pumps, and other more advanced items are eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the cost with no upper limit until December 31, 2016.
    To be applicable for tax credits, homeowners are required to submit a 5695 Form with their 2012 taxes to receive such tax credits. No receipts? "No problem," says Steber. "Credit card statements, bills, and other evidence of the purchase can serve as adequate documentation."