Ah, the tailgate. Fall mornings spent in impromptu living rooms arranged in the beds of pickup trucks, afternoons playing Hacky Sack, entire days spent with radio blaring and laughter soaring. It seems there’s always some reason to drop the tailgate or open the hatch and let weekend freedom roar. To gather the crew, crack some brew, munch on some nachos and cheer like the game depended on it…because it does.

The tailgate party is almost as American a pastime as football or baseball itself. It’s also a day when everyone wants to stand out. Painted faces, wild costumes, creative gaming and pickup football games are kings. Now, imagine if you will, among all those olfactory and tasty memories, what a stand-out experience a solar-powered tailgate party would be!

When you think about it, it makes sense. You have an entire day spent outside cooking, eating, drinking and talking – all things best done under the sun. And it’s surprisingly easy to do! You can incorporate solar power into any aspect of a tailgate party, from brews to brats to burgers. Sound a little strange? Here’s how you do it. (more…)

Popularity: 1% [?]

Guest Post: Shane Shirley-Smith from Environmental Booty

I don’t know about you, but life seems to move very fast these days.  I seem to never have enough time in my day to finish all the things that I would like to. Trying to fit in a green lifestyle, though, doesn’t have to  be time consuming.  Here are 5 ways to start greening your life today…with very little effort.

1. Never leave a room with the light on - I have heard the argument that the power company will keep making as much power even if you turn off your lights, computer and electronics when not in use.  But it will save on your power bill and eventually, if we all reduce our electrical use, the power companies will be forced to produce less energy…or they will be forced out of business. (more…)

Popularity: 3% [?]

Everyone knows that solar systems save you money in the long run.  But how much will you end up paying for maintenance throughout the years?  Let’s break down the potential cost factors. For instance, you’ll need two to three inverters over the life of your panels and those inverter costs a few thousand dollars each.  But what other costs are lurking around the corner?

Photo Credit: Daily Green

PV systems are sort of like a car – you know something’s going to need repair, but you can’t predict what that part will be until it fails.  There’s a paper written by three solar industry professionals that states that only half of all installed systems are working at their peak capability. The other half are performing optimally.  That’s a touch worrisome for those thinking of the massive outlay that it takes to go solar in the home.  Silly little things can get in the way of an optimal performing system. (more…)

Popularity: 2% [?]