A rather interesting development is taking shape on New York’s Coney Island, the southern most portion of the Big Apple’s Brooklyn Borough. It has nothing to do with the Astroland Amusement Park or the annual Mermaid Parade. Instead, it’s solar power that’s stealing the spotlight from Sea Gate to Manhattan Beach.

The solar developments began in 2005 when the city’s subway system opened the Stillwell Avenue Terminal: it was equipped with 2,800 solar electric panels mounted to its roof. The installation gained national attention two years later when the American Institute of Architects’ Committee gave the installation honorable mention on the 2007 Top Ten list of green projects, calling it “a catalyst for the revitalization of Coney Island.”

Also in 2005, 32 solar panels were installed on Coney Island’s signature ”Wonder Wheel” ride.

The NYC Transit Maintenance Facility is part of the MTA system that transports 2.4 billion New Yorkers each year.

The latest solar-power development on Coney Island came in April, 2010, when the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) mounted solar hot-water panels atop the Island’s maintenance facility, the biggest rapid transit yard in the world. The 48 panels provide hot water — at temperatures as high as 240 degrees — for the washing of subway cars. The system also supplies hot water in the restrooms. NYPA’s President Richard Kessel found the installation very appropriate for Coney Island:

“It seems fitting that we’re pioneering this advanced solar-thermal technology in a community whose iconic attractions include the beach and sun.”

The NYPA has made efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 34,000 tons a year, according to New York City Transit President Thomas Prendergast. This latest solar thermal (solar hot water) installation cost the NYPA $550,000, minus the $150,000 grant they received from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Predergast noted the solar thermal system, which replaced an old hot water tank, will save about $94,000 annually.