What is the COVID19 Message on 50th Anniversary of EARTHDAY?

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The health crisis brought home the message that human life is precious is the Country took extra ordinary measure to protect our lives at a huge cost to our economy. Trillions of Dollars spent and lot more to come in future. All of the Weapons to protect our nations proved worthless against this invisible enemy.

Warning by scientists were ignored for just 4 weeks and we all experienced the outcomes that no one imagined to cover many countries. Ignoring science was DEADLY.

I am reminded of the saying- Do not fool with mother nature! Is it possible that we did it  by ignoring all the Climate change warnings for last 10 years and the impact of environmental changes resulted in creation of new species or modifications of viruses as their fight for survival?

Once the current crisis is controlled then we will have some choices to make not to repeat this outcome. With this Crisis comes an Opportunity as the Chinese saying goes and they are now proving it by becoming the supplier of systems to fight the problem that originated at China. They are setting a smart example for seeking Prosperity.

What could Climate Smart Communities do on this  50th anniversary of Earth Day? Resolve to become Independent.

Let us think hard about all of the Infrastructure needs and select those items that generate long term savings by implementing efficiency and shifting to clean renewable energy sources. Recycle and reuse rainwater and food waste and plant as many trees as we can to convert the atmospheric CO2 to biomass for GHG reduction.

The independence concept can move us to growing locally and seek distributed generation to keep the money circulated locally to be resilient from economic losses when critical materials from imported sources are not able to reach us like we experienced recently.

It is time to use this Earth Day to celebrate 50th year with new resolve to seek economic independence and be resilient to fight future problems. Prosperity from Opportunity created by Crisis is the Key message. Do you agree?

Good News! Climate Change Awareness has achieved control of CO2 emmissions

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Thank you to all the scientists that have been warning about Climate change and global warning while the world ignored it for many decades. Inconvenient truth movie brought this issue to the forefront and for last 10 years debates started in USA.

Rest of the world noticed the risks resulting from this problem and cost of repairing natural disaster events. Technology solutions were developed as the world found new sources of clean energy to serve our need.

Solar power technology using the PV cells witnessed huge reduction of 90% over a decade which made it possible to make power for much lower costs. One watt of PV cell went from $8.00 per watt to now 40 cents cost. So one can imagine why we can now make power for lower cost then power purchased from the Utility, with some incentives from Federal or State.

This is probably the biggest reason why solar power growth has been at a scale of over 30,000% over a decade. Politics may sway some Leaders to say that global warming or Climate change is not reality. International Energy Agency just released a report that C)2 emissions are now flat and no longer going up. This is victory for mankind and assures us that as more people adopt clean solar power and switch their cars to Electric Vehicles the world would experience a reduction in atmospheric C)2 levels. It no longer matters what our elected Leaders say, the marketplace is irreversible and will lead us to more Green power and reductions in Green House Gasses.

The truth about affordable solar energy is known to all and with lower cost solar programs, some Climate smart communities have taken the lead and become energy independent.

In New York State any Municipality can now fix the cost of power with solar power installation and make it possible to achieve less than 6 cents per kwh power after the system capital is recovered in about 10 years. The power cost today is about 10 cents per Kwh so imagine paying 6 cents per Kwh after 10 years and keeping it at that level for another 20 years. These could be the Years of prosperity when money saved in enerrgy cost will help local economy.

Let us take advantage of this reality and achieve triple bottom line- Save money, save the environment and help build our communities.

Earth Day 2017 A time for Celebration and expressing Gratitude to Science

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This is a special day to celebrate accomplishments and progress made in renewable energy field.
Who would have thought 5 years ago that Clean power could be made at the same cost as Coal? Technology advancements by scientists have given us efficient solar panels, smaller invertors, high capacity wind turbines for off shore application and compact battery storage.

There is no reason to doubt about progress in renewable energy field, because technology will lead us to better future. Corporations such as Apple, Walmart and Google would lead the world in showing  Green pathways and leave the polluting old technology behind.

As some experts  have said, the market place will decide the future and not wait for our Government to control what happens in this renewable energy field. It is time to train the coal miners to operate Solar and Wind farms or manufacture these system in America under Make in America plans.

It is not too far away when off shore wind turbines make 40% of the future renewable energy in New York and large commercial solar farm cover our landscape. Our goal of 50% renewable energy shall be met by 2030.

Our communities can now have community solar farms serving their residents and make power at same cost as the Utility. This energy independence goal is now achievable. Smart communities will demonstrate this as more examples are visible in America.

It is time to pray for good wisdom to be given to our leaders so a cleaner greener future awaits the next generation with efforts made by our generation.

Climate change adaptation with Energy Independence

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There is change in the air as we go through the final days before elections. It happens to be the same time where scientists are discovering that our Glaciers are melting faster than original projections. Unfortunately, some people still believe that it is not happening and ignoring all the photos and videos that clearly make the point. Their minds are made up for some political reason and facts may not mean anything.

We hope that our Leaders who are elected this November hang their party affiliation out side the door of the Congress, Senate and White house and deal with reality and listen to professionals who have spent lifetime doing what they do and care about our earth and future of the planet.

Fortunately in New York, we have a progressive goals and vision to be 30 -50% renewable energy users for all Government facilities using the available solar and renewable energy incentives. Under NYSERDA grant program, NY based communities  can become certified as Clean Energy Communities and seek 100% grant to implement programs that will enable them to meet the goals of reducing GHG emissions. This will allow them to plan the strategy to reduce energy consumption and shift to cleaner fuels and promote Green sustainable solutions.

Communities making all of their power at large community shared solar farms is here now and this will allow them to become energy Independent and be part of the Climate change solution. Now it is up to the leaders of these communities to decide and take a positive step toward making them energy smart and efficient users of Clean power.

Good Luck!

Sustainable Green Communities now seeking Reseliency for Climate Change adaptation

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Solar energy is now the fastest growing Solution with potential to make power at same cost as other power sources. Therefore future power plants are more likely to be solar or Wind farms as compared to traditional designs.

Utility companies need base load power combined with peak load power such as solar to meet the grid demand. The management of the Grid and distributed generation is key to meet variable demands of the day.

Lower cost energy storage would be the game changer, where many Energy Storage companies will create a huge market in coming decade, as the unit cost of storage goes down. This is similar to what  happened to the price of solar PV panels in past 8 years.

Combining solar PV  with storage and controls would be the ideal solution where the energy production can match the usage and reduce the need to transmit power from remote power plants.

An added benefit to the communities would be their ability to create small micro-grids where power never fails when grid goes down. Without the storage, the Green power generation system must be turned off when power fails.

Better energy solutions are around the corner for planning sustainable Green communities seeking energy independence and resilient future for economic growth.

Solar Power is the Future ! Arabian Countries are now installing massive Solar Power Farms.

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What is happening in 2016 is incredible and beyond imagination. Energy Independence is here now and within our reach to help create sustainable green communities.

It is not too far in future when energy consumers all around the world would have access to green energy and not need the fixed power transmission network. Examples in India, China, Africa and United Arab Emirates(UAE) are great example of current activities. UN development with renewable energy

Nature's free gift to the world via Solar energy  has combined with human innovation to make it possible to make Clean and Green power and help existing Utility infrastructure. It should be noted that maximum power is produced in summer months when the energy demand is high and cost of power at peak hours is the highest. This make solar power made in the distribution system a valuable asset.

In New York State the incentives for solar power and now Community Distributed Generation can make a significant jump in green power production over next 5 years. Smart communities will take the opportunity and create 2 to 5 MW size CDG  systems where power produced is shared by the members of this group.

This is very strong long term strategy for economic development. We are lucky to be in New York State when it comes to support for renewable energy.

Memorial day reminds us about the sacrifices made by veterans in defending our freedom. When we defend other oil producing nations we were trying to secure nonrenewable energy supply. Now we can switch to natural green energy and not ever need to send our soldiers to fight for oil. Let us create new Green power advocates who will make us energy independent and reduce the environmental damage caused by burning oil,coal and natural gas. It is time to fight the Climate Change war with Green Weapons that create Good and not destruction.

Climate Change Solutions NOW.. Pope Says to the World during Visit to America

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Sustainability when linked to Climate Change is now on top of the World's agenda for action. The Pope visiting America this week is the blessing for humanity for the protection of our planet. Environmental justice for million of poor suffering people requires action by leading developed countries.They live in wrong places led by Greedy dictators, Crazy Terrorists armed by Soviet and American made weapons, or in low lying lands where change is rising of ocean levels will cause mass migration.

Unfortunately there are many smart and educated people who have given their Political ideology more value and ignoring the truth. There is no Global Warming and no Climate change caused by man is what they are trying to tell us therefore no need to act.It is time to face the Truth and think about what is Good for People and not their Party. This is People issue and not any one political party.

Are we ready to deal with it? Pope's message is right on the mark. As religious leader he is living the role when he says serving the poor and needy is the practice of true religion. The community leaders of today in rural America have as much responsibility and opportunity to act as the President of USA or Congress.

So how do we create sustainable green communities in our own Villages and Towns? Transform these areas into resilient energy independent neighborhoods that demonstrates conservation of water and creating healthy life style consuming locally grown food products.

In New York we can start with building community shared solar neighborhoods where members with low economic level can get cheap power and join other small businesses and institutions for common ownership of large solar PV farms built on low value land near suitable power lines. Grant funding is available from NYSERDA to create such facilities to serve apartments, City residents, small businesses, commercial units etc. We- the consumers are now empowered to make our own power for 20% lower than what Power company charges us today. In future, 20 years from now the power cost is expected to double.Therefore, why not fix the cost now and be independent from power company cost of energy. As the grants and tax credits reduce in future, we should act now and promote community distributed generation in all small Towns and Villages.

Why Wait? Listen to the Pope's message and act now. You will save Money, help our Economy and the Environment.

Power of the Sun 200GW- Building equivalent of 200 Nucelar Power plants in six Years?

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Where do they plan to build Solar PV systems equivalent of 200 nuclear power plants in Six years?
It happens to be India who recently took bids from North American companies and awarding contracts at lowest cost per Kwh.

The Private solar developers quoted about 8 cents per Kwh for large GW size systems as part of the ambitious plans announced by Govt of India.

Climate change is REAL. America can lead the world and not follow by adopting this technology at much larger scale. Imagine how long will it take if you wanted to build one Nuclear power plant in America? Clean energy from Sun is now creating hundreds of GW of solar power at a fast pace unimagined by anyone few years ago.

This is very good news as the Power from Sun becomes affordable and fast to implement.

Hope both Democrats and Republicans take advantage of this Free Gift from Nature to solve our energy problem and deal with Climate change.

Sustainable Green communities achieving Energy Independence is our goal. Better days are ahead.

Ram

For Power Consumers - We have the choice to Achieve Energy Freedom!

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Can 2015 be the beginning of new consumer movement that allows them to be free from the Utility? In New York State the Policies under review will take us closer to realizing this dream. Elon Musk and his vision to provide and promote lower cost energy storage was announced on April 30th. Combined with Solar power and smart controls this enables the customer to buy power at night and use it in the day powered by storage system in the garage.

The old paradigm is that we need the power company to sell us power at whatever cost and we have no choice. It worked when other options were beyond consumers reach. Now it is time to have distributed generation with storage and let them be paid for the service, connectivity and backup power.

With Solar PV system now at below $2.00 per watt and storage around $400 per KW, we are closer to Energy Freedom. This message would soon reach more people and the time to take bold action could happen starting in 2015.

After 45 years of celebrating Earth Day, the time has come when one can imagine the dream coming true.What makes this timely is the fact that Climate change is getting the national attention and people realize that resiliency of power is important when the power grid goes down. The peace of mid that it does not matter when power goes down because now you have your own power plant and storage system that can be activated automatically with smart control and keep you home or business running. This is safety, comfort and economic issue.

Smart consumer living ins sustainable Green communities will realize this and take advantage of financial incentives, long term low interest financing and become secure and seek their Energy Freedom.

What are we waiting for?  Energy Independence is around the corner.

Go for it!

Sustainable Climate Change Solutions - Based on Solar and Battery Storage

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Innovation and new technologies are racing to bring the cost down for the customers.
Solar PV system installed costs have reduced by 75% and battery storage technology is also showing similar reduction in cost.

As climate changes we will need to implement energy security measures so we have power and quality of life when our Utility grid is out of service. The best defense is to make power where you use it and have provision to store on site so our critical needs can be met during the power failure.

It is now possible to project that very soon in New York State, we can make Solar  power for same cost as current cost of electricity ranging from 7-9 cents per kWh. Once the investment is made this cost does not change for the 30 year + life of the system as compared to about 3% escalation each year by the Utility.
With affordable battery storage systems we will be able to charge the batteries with night power and then use it along with the solar power production to meet the daytime needs.

Energy supply reliability is now a concern because of extreme climate change events taking place more frequently, What to do now? Our choices are to pay much higher amount to Utility company as they invest Billions in upgrading the power plants, old transmission and distribution system and pass on the cost to consumers. Alternatively we can act and seek independence by investing in generation and storage technology.

Hope the innovations and cost reductions in both solar and energy storage technology makes this dream possible.

January 1 2015- A day to seek Energy Independence for all Consumers supporting Sustainability

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Last year 2014 was filled with progress with new energy generation initiatives and Environmental protection commitments made by Global Leaders. China and America led by setting goals and the rest of the world was made very aware by real Climate tragedies that denying climate change is now taken as a mark of Ignorance.
How can we and why should we waste time and energy on this debate?
Smart people will move forward with smart solutions and let the naysayers stand on the side lines.
Renewable energy is now the best Instrument of Peace to gain energy independence, which can now be seen as more installations of such systems are completed.
In New York State Wayne County based Town of Williamson took the lead by building 1.5 Mega Watts solar PV system on their closed landfill. Larsen Engineers assisted them in creating the long term sustainability plan and installing the large scale solar PV system to make 100% of their energy use at Municipal facilities.
So this Year the Town of Williamson, NY can celebrate the Energy Independence and motivate others to do the same. The ultimate economic benefit for the community is to fix the cost of power for next 40 years with savings of over 1 Million Dollars.
As the oil and gasoline prices go down below $2.00 they clearly prove the power of reducing consumption by the energy consumers. The seller of dirty fuels can not stop the consumers if they decide NOT to use oil based products. This is the time to resolve and ramp up the energy conservation and green power generation to further put pressure and keep the oil and gas price low.
Someday Oil will become irrelevant as we embrace Solar, Wind and Biomass power to replace the conventional dirty fuels. It can be done in 20 years if we all resolve today to take such actions.

Town of Williamson,NY Leads with Solar PV for achieving Energy Independence

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http://www.13wham.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/solar-panels-power-unused-landfill-18717.shtml

The above TV news story covered the news about a large scale solar system that was installed to serve the Town of Williamson electrical energy needs. Larsen Engineers assisted the Town to competitively select SED to provide the 1.5 MW solar system, as part of their sustainable energy strategy.

This project is a great example of how communities can seek energy independence and adapt to Climate change.

New York State offers the grants and with Federal tax incentives any consumer can go Solar and save money during the life of the system, expected to be 30-40 years. This Green Energy solution can help reduce our dependence on oil and control the price of petroleum products with lowered demand.

Oil Prices are Now in Control of Consumers by Reducing Demand

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Here are some questions that have "YES" as an answer.

Can conservation and smart choice of energy sources by the consumers be the controlling factor for Oil Prices?
Can the Federal policies shape the future of energy use in America?
Can the fight for Climate change also save the environment?
Can we continue to keep the Price of oil down and one day make it an unnecessary fuel?
Can Free natural resources of Wind, Sun and Water be the sustaining solution for us all?
Can the financial incentives by Federal and State governments encourage our shift to renewable energy?

We the consumers have a choice and we should try everything we can do to be Energy Independent.

Better days are ahead if we take the right path and kick the oil habit.

UN Climate Change week in NY City- Time to Act is Now!

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As we watch the natural disasters around the world and scramble to help the victims, the question arises about what to do to avoid this in future? Are our leaders ready to act and show the path?
The first step obviously is for people to accept that it is happening and worse scenarios may occur if we do not act now.

The world leaders are gathering in N Y City to discuss this next week. Let us hope that common sense prevails and the investments to cut Greenhouse Gas emissions are adopted by all participants. The impact of solar PV power development should not be ignored. Get the word out that solar PV costs have drastically come down and now you can make electrical power for the same cost as you spend with non-renewable energy. Availability of low interest financing over 10 years can make it happen for everyone. This is where the Green Revolving Loan funds offered through local banks can change the economics. The dream of Net-Zero energy can be realized by those who invests in the Solar PV systems in New York State.

New York State is trying to lead the way. This week it is possible that the Governor may announce grant awards under NY State solar initiatives to install Large Scale solar power systems. It will be a good example to see for international politicians coming to New York City for the UN Summit.

GO SOLAR New York!

Small Communities need solar power to come out of economic difficulties and become energy independent

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Who need to reduce cost of government operations most? These are small communities at their debt limit and are not in a position or permitted by State laws to borrow capital dollars to build solar PV systems.

They have the opportunity to make their own power and pay off the debt from energy savings.
Their challenge is to raise the construction loan to build the system and long term low interest financing to pay ti back. The State and Federal Govt. has significant amount of pension funds that could be used to create a green funding mechanism to help such communities.

The federal USDA rural utility program may be able to help. Only time will tell as we watch the policies for Green project support.  Private capital looks for higher rate of return and larger dollar value projects which does not match with small community needs.

If this can be achieved then these communities can control their energy future and make solar power for the same price as they pay now. After 20 years the systems could be all paid and only O&M costs will remain for next 20 years when the power cost would be less that 6 cents per kWh as compared to Utility cost of over 20 cents /kWh. Energy independence by making same amount of power as they consume they will not be affected by future cost of energy. Fortunately this is possible as Government policy empowers the consumer to become solar power producer.

Climate Change Adaptation by Sustainable Green Communities

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Finally the President is talking about the importance of taking action to deal with Climate Change. By now we must realize that some people are simply not going to accept the truth and trying to convince them may be a waste of time. The best strategy would be to shine the spotlight on communities that are doing energy conservation,building green energy generation systems to go Green and save money at the same time.
Real examples of such communities need to be shared, so the residents of other communities can ask their Leaders why are we not doing the same?
The myth that it will cost money should be removed with real examples of transformation to more efficient buildings and shift to renewable energy sources.
Action speaks for itself. We hope that everyone that is taking Leadership in this area is pointed out.
Walmart is no exception in this area even when some union supporting people may not like their wage policies. It is time that news media reports cover such success stories to inform their viewers and readers.
More Jobs Clean environment and reduction of green house gases will be the outcome as we save money to invest in future. Hopefully the energy independent developments and communities will share their stories with their neighbors and encourage them to do the same. County and State governments must support such actions and help others with green financing to achieve similar results.

Strategy for Faster Implementation of Solar PV projects in Sustainable Green Communities

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An Year has gone by as we tried to find a way to help our small communities to find Energy Independence with Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a Private Developer who would finance, build and operate the solar PV system. 

This is a great  idea but with no risk comes the delays and uncertainties. Some of the host communities found out that Developer was unable to complete the projects in time due to weak financial support where the investor just backed off from the deal. What should the community do to assure faster and more assured implementation?

We are now following a two step procurement approach that can save money and get better outcome for all parties. It all starts with community education to first build the buy in and desire to go green and make your own power at a suitable site. Study of all of the municipality owned facilities energy consumption is necessary to estimate the current energy use and size the Solar PV system and a site with adequate electrical service to be able to supply excess power to the grid.

The second step is to present the opportunity to financing Companies and get a commitment from them as Proforma PPA based on a projected capital cost of the system. Once the terms of the power purchase agreements are executed then we issue a Request for Proposal to design and build the system from local developer -solar installers. These proposals are evaluated to select the contractor to submit the bid proposal to NYSERDA and get the grant commitment.The final PPA is executed after modifications to take into account the actual capital cost and grant amount. This approach takes away the need for solar PV installers to search for financing partner since the Owner makes this choice at the beginning of the project.

This market needs fast track and simpler process to cut costs and get best value for the communities. 

Go Solar Now. The process is now better and many communities now realize that this is the right thing to do.

Taming the Increasing Cost of Energy with Solar PV by Sustainable Communities

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Municipal leaders in Upstate NY face challenges of increasing cost of operations and reducing tax base. Fewer tax payers need to support these cost increases. Energy is one of the operational cost elements that can now be reduced by conservation efforts. However as the unit cost of power goes up from 12 cents to 24 cents in next 20 years, what can be done at the present?

Fortunately the cost of Solar PV has come down significantly and Federal and State tax credits or grants help reduce the capital cost to make it affordable. These cost factors have created an opportunity to work with third party developers who can finance the project based on a long term power purchase agreement with the Municipality.

This concept of public private partnership offers a Win Win proposition where the cost of power can be fixed and depends on the level of risks taken by the investors. If the Municipality wishes to take zero risk then they would end up paying more for the cost of power sold to the Municipality.

Some communities can see the benefit of Solar Power and are willing to make some capital contribution as Advance payment toward future purchase of the system after the private party has taken all of the tax benefits including faster depreciation. At this time the system can be purchased at fair market value. Communities willing to invest about 20% of the capital cost at the beginning of the project are finding that they can bring the cost of electricity down to 6-8 cents now and expect to reduce it further to 5-6 cents per kwh after 10 years and lasting for another 25 years for the life of the solar PV system. This is a smart way to control the cost of power for a very long term with small investment at the beginning. Energy Independence is now possible and some leading communities are on their way to achieve it. This approach can make all of their public buildings achieve  Net-Zero electric energy goal.

Good financial planning and consideration of risks should be done as the communities develop a strategy for their energy future. What ever path you take, do start the process and join the fast growing solar power trend based on available incentives in New York.

Good Luck!

Financing is key to Sustainable Green CommunityDevelopment

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As the new year 2014 starts, we must review what occurred in 2013 and plan strategies that can avoid the hurdles to faster implementation of Green energy programs in New York and other States in America. While we wait for a National investment plan, each State can do what is appropriate for them.

New York has many innovative funding  initiatives but the rate of implementation is still slow because of lack of affordable capital funding to start the projects. Many of these initiatives are justified based on future savings to payback the investment made on the project and ability to achieve energy independence. Unfortunately the traditional financing institutions are reluctant to take risks on new green technologies and private investments are seeking much higher interest rate which raises the costs to the community. So what can be done to help and make better progress?

The publicly funded  Green Bonds offer a great ray of hope to encourage the implementation of Green energy technologies. Funds can be loaned with 5-10 year term at low interest rate and the risk covered by the borrower who has the expertise in new technologies and willing to use these funds to build the systems and payback the loans from the revenues generated by the savings or generation of green energy.

Fortunately, New York has initiated a $ 1 Billion Green Bank to help meet this funding need for Green projects. This initiative results from the Green Vision promoted by our Governor.
We hope it succeeds in making New York lead this transformation to green and clean technology.
Happy New Year!

Thanksgiving to New Year 2014 - a time for Sustainable Green Celebrations

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Thanksgiving is now over and we quickly move to Christmas Holidays and Welcoming the New Year 2014.
 when you look back we are thankful that the Hurricane season spared the worst for people living along the Ocean front communities.

We are thankful for the largest growth in Solar PV Renewable energy installations in America and rest of the World. New York State plans to install $500 million dollars worth of solar PV in 2014.

We are excited about the prospects of New York leading the Green Projects as the State supports the use of Green fuels such as BioCNG or RNG in transportation sector.

We look forward to communities partnering with Farm businesses to convert cow manure and food waste into bio-gas and converting this gas in to Compressed natural gas for use on Trucks and fleets with huge savings by replacing diesel fuel and cleaning the air.

The holiday lighting will see lot more use of LED lights that saves money and lasts a lot longer.

Well! Green is now more accepted as we point out the monetary savings and mention environmental benefits as frosting on the cake for the conservative thinkers.

Better days are ahead. Let us celebrate what has been achieved and seek higher levels of success in building sustainable Green Communities and gain Energy Independence.

Happy Holidays!