Wind, sun power in Times Square

This winter, New Year’s Eve revelers will have a close-up view of Times Square’s first environmentally friendly billboard powered entirely by wind and sun.

Construction on the 35,000-pound sign that will advertise Ricoh Americas Corp. is to begin this month across from the building where the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.

Powered by 16 wind turbines and 64 solar panels, the sign is expected to save $12,000 to $15,000 per month in electricity costs. A lighting ceremony for the 126-foot wide, 47-foot tall sign is scheduled for Dec. 4.