America's North Shore Journal

Staff Sgt. Stewart Raring removes a solar pathfinder from a snow machine Dec. 16, 2008, at a remote operating facility in the Pacific Alaska Range Complex in Alaska.

Staff Sgt. Stewart Raring removes a solar pathfinder from a snow machine Dec. 16, 2008, at a remote operating facility in the Pacific Alaska Range Complex in Alaska. The solar pathfinder will measure the intensity of sunlight for an entire year to evaluate “going green” by using solar panels to operate the facility instead of the propane that is currently being used. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Laura Max)

Staff Sgt. Stewart Raring captures a digital image of the solar pathfinder readings Dec. 16, 2008, at a remote operating facility in Alaska.

Staff Sgt. Stewart Raring captures a digital image of the solar pathfinder readings Dec. 16, 2008, at a remote operating facility in Alaska. A solar pathfinder shows the year-round, site-specific solar data to determine the best location and angle to setup solar panels. Currently Det. 460 officials plan on constructing a solar hybrid power system at seven different locations replacing their current propane power source saving more than $100,000 in maintenance and refueling over a five-year period. He is assigned to Det. 460 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jonathan Snyder)