The MTA will install 48 solar panels at the Coney Island. The system uses really interesting "closed-loop" technology for maximum efficiency.

What I find interesting, though, are the economics. The system will cost about $1.1 million and is expected to save taxpayers and riders about $170,000 in energy costs. Do the math and this means it will pay for itself in only seven years. That is outstanding! Gone are the days when "not economical" was an argument against solar.

Oh, and the system will save about 3,000 tons of carbon emissions per year. That's a pretty sweet side effect.

Kudos to the MTA for once in making a great investment. Take the N, Q, F, or D train out to Coney Island sometime. Early autumn is a great time to go; still about a month left before it's too chilly to be comfortable, but the summer crowds are gone.