Nathan Stumpff never expected his solar career to take him all the way to Fairbanks, Alaska. But as a system designer and installer for ABS Alaskan, that is exactly what happened. ABS Alaskan is a renewable energy company that supplies solar, wind, and hydroelectric power systems as well as diesel and gasoline powered generators for backup power. Previously an installer at a solar company in Maryland, Nathan moved to Alaska in the summer of 2010.

Working in Alaska has given Nathan the opportunity to travel frequently and see much of Alaska’s natural beauty.

“There was a moment in Denali National Park – huge open country, crystal quiet, just spectacular – and I realized if I were back at my last job, I would probably be on a roof in some strip mall and it would probably be over 100 degrees on the roof,” Nathan said. “When you go out in the field here you just can’t help but find beautiful spots all over. They are everywhere!”

Nathan picked a great time to make the move to Alaska, as the renewable energy market in the state is growing rapidly. Though it has a smaller market than the lower 48 states, he is optimistic that it will continue to expand as the state adopts more policies to help spur the industry.

The high cost of energy in Alaska is driving this change.

“There is a lot of creative energy in the air. Electricity is very expensive up here, especially in the more remote communities. So people are hungry for alternatives.”