There are many things about New York City that don’t go unnoticed. The crowds, funky smells, and food carts are part of a culture that sets this city apart from every other city in the world.

Yet, there are parts of New York that aren’t as visible but equally as important. Hidden gems that literally keep the bright lights shining.

This article will take you on a scavenger hunt through the Big Apple to discover solar panels in the city’s most unexpected corners.

The Disconnected Solar Panels of Coney Island

The Coney Island- Stillwell Avenue Subway Station

What better way than to start our urban hunt for solar panels than with public transportation? 

Our first stop is the Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn. Since 1920, this elevated station has funneled sun-soakers and residents to and from the beachy neighborhood of Coney Island and surrounding areas.

In 2005, 85 years after the building was erected, a 282 million dollar renovation was completed on the station – which included 76,000 square feet of, you guessed it, solar panels.

Sadly, the state-of-the-art solar panel roof only provided power to the station for a short period of time. Though expected to last 35 years – Hurricane Sandy had other plans. 

In 2012, the superstorm wiped out electrical equipment at the station and the panels went dark. Unfortunately the city never reconnected them.

Sustainability in the Exhibition Industry

The Javits Center

An hour and 20 minute train ride from Coney Island’s failed solar panel roof sits the Javit’s Center. 

Located on the west side of Manhattan, the Javit’s Center spans 850,000 square feet and holds the title of the busiest convention center in the country. 

But even though the building itself has an expansive footprint, the Javit’s Center strives to be a model of sustainable practices for the exhibition industry. 

Not only has the Javit’s Center reduced their energy consumption by 26% since 2014 – they’ve also installed a 906.3 kilowatt solar panel system. This system ensures that at least 10% of the center’s energy consumption is renewable.

In addition to the robust solar panel system, the Javit’s Center is topped with a nearly 7 acre green roof to mitigate storm runoff, reduce heat flux into the building, and provide a sanctuary for the city’s wildlife – which surprisingly does exist! 

Solar Panels Aiding Compostability

Big Belly x New York City Public Compost Bins

There’s no doubt that the Javit’s Center is upholding their promise to set the sustainability standard. Thankfully, the city’s making up for the disconnected solar panels at the subway station in other ways.

In 2021, New York City began partnering with Big Belly to make composting not only accessible to residents, but solar powered.

Big Belly is the same maker of the self-contained, solar-powered trash and recycling bins seen around the city. The company is helping the city realize its goals of managing trash, reducing the amount of organic materials going to landfills, and of course, controlling the rat population.

Thanks to a solar-powered compactor, the seemingly small bins can actually hold up to 47 gallons of waste – which is 1.7x greater than a traditional waste bin. 

Simply use the phone app to find a compost bin near you, check if it’s full or available, and compost away. The bright-orange bins are located around the city’s boroughs and will happily “eat up” your compostable goods 24/7. 

The Push for Solar and Environmental Education

The Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center

Our final stop on the solar tour brings us back to Brooklyn.

Here in the Greenpoint neighborhood sits the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center. The building offers an engaging civic space that demonstrates sustainability while shining a light on the environmental history of the region.

The inside of the library hosts plenty of eco-friendly design elements as well as books. But the outside takes sustainability to the next level. Well, actually three levels. 

From the ground level to the third floor, the library houses multiple gardens that include native trees and plants as well as cisterns to capture rainwater for experiments and nurture their plants.

And of course, the library runs on sunshine! Their bifacial solar system captures light directly from the sun and from light reflected off the roof, capturing over 15 kilowatts at once. Over the course of a year, the solar panels produce over 19,000 kilowatts of energy to power the building.

From the beachy neighborhoods of Brooklyn to the bustling streets of Manhattan, New York City boasts solar panels in plenty of unexpected places. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to go on a scavenger hunt to find solar panels – they could be installed right on your own roof. Interested in learning more? Mpower Solar is on standby to help.