Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The FASB sets generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to ensure financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows are consistently reported. References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). The Company adopted the presentation requirements for noncontrolling interests required by ASC 810 Consolidation. Under ASC 810, earnings or losses attributed to the noncontrolling interests are reported as part of the consolidated earnings and not a separate component of income or expense. Noncontrolling interests in the net assets and operations of Ilios are reflected in the caption “Noncontrolling interest” in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash balances in bank accounts, which at times may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (“FDIC”) general deposit insurance limits. The amount on deposit at December 31, 2014 and 2013 which exceeded the $250,000 federally insured limit was approximately $1,272,500 and $7,410,000, respectively. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and thus believes that it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. There was no customer who represented more than 10% of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company has three hundred fifty-three customers who represented all of the revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014. Included in trade accounts receivable are amounts from one customer who represents 13% of the accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2014 and another customer who represented 22% of the accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2013.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity date, at date of purchase, of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.
Short-Term Investments	Short-Term Investments Short-term investments consist of certificates of deposit with maturities of greater than three months but less than one year. Certificates of deposits approximate fair value, based on estimates using current market rates offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities. These certificates are currently restricted as collateral for performance bonds associated with ongoing turnkey projects. On October 26, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Digital Energy Corp., a customer of the Company, whereby the Company provided a letter of credit in the amount of $180,000, for the benefit of Digital Energy Corp., to satisfy a requirement of the New York Independent System Operator, Inc. A certificate of deposit for $180,000 secures the letter of credit. In exchange for providing this letter of credit, Digital Energy Corp. provided a promissory note to the Company for $180,000, with interest at 6%, payable in monthly installments of interest only. Principal would only be owed if the letter of credit was drawn upon and would become due and payable on the first anniversary date of the note. On February 19, 2013, this letter of credit was cancelled and the certificate of deposit was released from restriction and sold.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding balances. An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided for those accounts receivable considered to be uncollectible based upon historical experience and management’s evaluation of outstanding accounts receivable at the end of the year. Bad debts are written off against the allowance when identified. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $50,000 and $103,800, respectively.
Inventory	Inventory Raw materials, work in process, and finished goods inventories are stated at the lower of cost, as determined by the average cost method, or market. The Company periodically reviews inventory quantities on hand for excess and/or obsolete inventory based primarily on historical usage, as well as based on estimated forecast of product demand. Any reserves that result from this review are charged to cost of sales.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the asset, which range from three to fifteen years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the term of the related leases. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed currently, while renewals and betterments that materially extend the life of an asset are capitalized.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Intangible assets subject to amortization include costs incurred by the Company to acquire product certifications, certain patent costs and developed technologies. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated economic life of the intangible asset. The Company reviews intangible assets for impairment when the circumstances warrant.
Goodwill	Goodwill The Company's goodwill was recorded as a result of the Company's asset acquisition discussed in Note 14. The Company has recorded this transaction using the acquisition method of accounting. The Company tests its recorded goodwill for impairment as of the last day of the year, or more often if indicators of potential impairment exist, by determining if the carrying value of the Company's single reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment test include, but are not limited to, underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the Company's overall business, significant negative industry or economic trends and a sustained period where market capitalization, plus an appropriate control premium, is less than stockholders' equity. The Company's impairment testing involves a step zero process. Step zero allows for management to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying value. The most significant factor to the value of the goodwill is the current value of the permanent magnet generator acquired as discussed in Note 14. These assets are a critical component to our top selling product line. The qualitative assessment of this value is significant to the future of the Company. Therefore, as of December 31, 2014, the Company determined that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value and therefore the second step was not necessary and no impairment was recognized.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of long-lived assets Long-lived assets, including intangible assets and property and equipment, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances have indicated that an asset may not be recoverable and are grouped with other assets to the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. If the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) is less than the carrying value of the assets, the assets will be written down to the estimated fair value and such loss is recognized in income from continuing operations in the period in which the determination is made.
Loss per Common Share	Loss per Common Share The Company computes basic loss per share by dividing net loss for the period by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the period. The Company computes its diluted earnings per common share using the treasury stock method. For purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share, the Company considers its shares issuable in connection with the convertible debentures, stock options and warrants to be dilutive Common Stock equivalents when the exercise/conversion price is less than the average market price of our Common Stock for the period.
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company reports segment data based on the management approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting that is used by management for making operating and investment decisions and evaluating performance as the source of the Company's reportable segments. The Company uses one measurement of profitability and does not disaggregate its business for internal reporting. The Company has determined that it operates in one business segment which manufactures and supports highly efficient CHP products based on engines fueled by natural gas. All of the Company’s long lived assets reside in the United States of America. The significant majority of the Company’s revenue is generated in the United States of America.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. The current or deferred tax consequences of transactions are measured by applying the provisions of enacted tax laws to determine the amount of taxes payable currently or in future years. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities and expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Under this method, a valuation allowance is used to offset deferred taxes if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. Management evaluates the recoverability of deferred taxes and the adequacy of the valuation allowance annually. The Company has adopted the provisions of the accounting standards relative to accounting for uncertainties in tax positions. These provisions provide guidance on the recognition, de-recognition and measurement of potential tax benefits associated with tax positions. The Company elected to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense in the statements of operations. The Company has analyzed its current tax return compliance positions and has determined that no uncertain tax positions have been taken that would require recognition. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to possible income tax examinations by federal, state or local taxing authorities for tax years before 2010, with the exception of loss carryforwards in the event they are utilized in future years. The Company's tax returns are open to adjustment from 2002 forward, as a result of the fact that the Company has loss carryforwards from those years, which may be adjusted in the year those losses are utilized.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company’s financial instruments are cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, accounts payable, demand notes, line of credit and convertible debentures due to related parties. The recorded values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values based on their short-term nature. At December 31, 2014, the recorded value on the consolidated balance sheet of the debentures approximates fair value as the terms approximate those available for similar instruments. Certificates of deposits are classified as short-term investments and approximate fair value, based on estimates using current market rates offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, sales of cogeneration and chiller units and parts are recognized when shipped and services are recognized over the term of the service period. Payments received in advance of services being performed are recorded as deferred revenue. Infrequently, the Company recognizes revenue in certain circumstances before delivery has occurred (commonly referred to as bill and hold transactions). In such circumstances, among other things, risk of ownership has passed to the buyer, the buyer has made a written fixed commitment to purchase the finished goods, the buyer has requested the finished goods be held for future delivery as scheduled and designated by them, and no additional performance obligations exist by the Company. For these transactions, the finished goods are segregated from inventory and normal billing and credit terms granted. For the year ended December 31, 2014, bill and hold transactions of appproximately $1,020,000 in revenue compared to $0 in 2013. For those arrangements that include multiple deliverables, the Company first determines whether each service or deliverable meets the separation criteria of FASB ASC 605-25, Revenue Recognition—Multiple-Element Arrangements. In general, a deliverable (or a group of deliverables) meets the separation criteria if the deliverable has stand-alone value to the customer and, if the arrangement includes a general right of return, delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in control of the Company. Each deliverable that meets the separation criteria is considered a separate ‘‘unit of accounting”. The Company allocates the total arrangement consideration to each unit of accounting using the relative selling price method. The amount of arrangement consideration that is allocated to a delivered unit of accounting is limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of another unit of accounting. When vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence is not available, adopting the relative fair value method of allocation permits the Company to recognize revenue on specific elements as completed based on the estimated selling price. The Company generally uses internal pricing lists that determine sales prices to external customers in determining its best estimate of the selling price of the various deliverables in multiple-element arrangements. Changes in judgments made in estimating the selling price of the various deliverables could significantly affect the timing or amount of revenue recognition. The Company enters into sales arrangements with customers to sell its cogeneration and chiller units and related service contracts and occasionally installation services. Based on the fact that the Company sells each deliverable to other customers on a stand-alone basis, the company has determined that each deliverable has a stand-alone value. Additionally, there are no rights of return relative to the delivered items; therefore, each deliverable is considered a separate unit of accounting. After the arrangement consideration has been allocated to each unit of accounting, the Company applies the appropriate revenue recognition method for each unit of accounting based on the nature of the arrangement and the services included in each unit of accounting. Cogeneration and chiller units are recognized when shipped and services are recognized over the term of the applicable agreement, or as provided when on a time and materials basis. In some cases, our customers may choose to have the Company engineer and install the system for them rather than simply purchase the cogeneration and/or chiller units. In this case, the Company accounts for revenue, or turnkey revenue, and costs using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, revenues are recognized by applying percentages of completion to the total estimated revenues for the respective contracts. Costs are recognized as incurred. The percentages of completion are determined by relating the actual cost of work performed to date to the current estimated total cost at completion of the respective contracts. When the estimate on a contract indicates a loss, the Company’s policy is to record the entire expected loss, as required by generally accepted accounting principles. The excess of contract costs and profit recognized to date on the percentage-of-completion accounting method in excess of billings is recorded as unbilled revenue. Billings in excess of related costs and estimated earnings are recorded as deferred revenue.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs The Company classifies freight billed to customers as sales revenue and the related freight costs as cost of sales.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, advertising expense was approximately $281,330 and $242,200, respectively.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs Research and development expenditures are expensed as incurred. Proceeds from certain grants and contracts with governmental agencies and their contractors to conduct research and development for new CHP technologies or to improve or enhance existing technology is recorded as an offset to the related research and development expenses. These grants and contracts are paid on a cost reimbursement basis provided in the agreed upon budget. Amounts received totaled $74,800 and $127,500 in fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively, which offset the Company’s total research and development expenditures of approximately $1,116,283 and $1,214,489 for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In previous disclosures, research and development costs were included in general and administrative expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2013, these expenses were reclassed on the statement of operations for comparison purposes.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense in the statements of operations over the requisite service period. The determination of the fair value of share-based payment awards is affected by the Company’s stock price. Since the Company was not publicly traded when the awards were issued, the Company considered the sales price of the Common Stock in private placements to unrelated third parties as a measure of the fair value of its Common Stock. The Company utilizes an estimated forfeiture rate when calculating the expense for the period. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company evaluates the assumptions used to value awards regularly and if factors change and different assumptions are employed, stock-based compensation expense may differ significantly from what has been recorded in the past. If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested securities, the Company may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unearned stock-based compensation expense. Pursuant to ASC 505-50, Equity Based Payments to Non-Employees, the fair value of restricted Common Stock and stock options issued to nonemployees is revalued at each reporting period until the ultimate measurement date, as defined by ASC 505-50. The Company records the value of the instruments at the time services are provided and the instruments vest. Accordingly, the ultimate expense is not fixed until such instruments are fully vested.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation. As a result of a four-for-one reverse stock split which took place during 2013, a reclassification of $40,836 from common stock to additional paid in capital was retroactively applied to the balances as of December 31, 2012. Research and development expense was separated from the general and administrative expense starting in 2014, for comparison purposes the expense was reclassed for the year ended December 31, 2013.