Mar 25 2008

Ode to the Skutches

Posted by: Keely Wachs

The world would be a much better place if it was filled with people like Mike and Lynn Skutches. 

The couple, both science teachers, have committed their personal and professional resources to promoting renewable energy. 

In addition to installing solar on their home in Sonora, California, the Skutches are also launching a new campaign to educate students on solar energy with a $5,000 PG&E Solar Schools grant and a new solar panel to be installed at Soulsbyville Elementary.

Lynn is a chemistry teacher at Sonora High School and Mike is a science teacher at Soulsbyville School. 

Soulsbyville School will receive a 1 kilowatt solar generation system for the school's educational use, which is estimated to save the school about $200 per month in energy. 

While not a huge energy savings, the educational impact is significant. 

Ina recent article in the Union Democrat Mike highlighted the educational benefits. "They are simple but powerful examples of solar energy.  They get kids to appreciate the concepts, rather than just reading from a book alone."

The solar system will also be connected to the Internet, providing the students with a real time tool to see how much power is generated on a given day.

The $5,000 grant will be used to purchase materials for solar education and will help fund Solar Sonora Energy Expo.

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