A solar powered Heat pump from Hotspot Energy was installed in Kobuk on the tribal building.

Here is a link to the product: https://www.hotspotenergy.com/solar-heating/

This expands the Northwest Arctic Borough’s effort to introduce the new technology to all our 11 communities.
Heat pumps are basically reverse air-conditioners that can extract heat from the outside air in temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. The units can also dehumidify and clean the air in a house that uses woodstoves as secondary heat source. This technology is extensively used in Europe and on the west coast of the USA. It has also been adopted by the State of Maine where they have installed more than 70,000 heat pumps in households and are operating them in temperatures as low as -20 degree Fahrenheit.
In communities with high fuel cost like Kobuk, households or offices can save up to $2,000.00/year using an electric heat-pump instead of stove oil.
This particular unit gets most of its needed power from the sun when available.
This is a part of a pilot project that will be running for one year. Data will be collected and experience shared on the Borough’s website.