Bob East joins Delta Solar as chairman, equity investor

Little Rock-based solar array installer Delta Solar announced Monday (July 6) that entrepreneur Bob East has joined the company as an equity investor and will serve as chairman.

The company will soon start work on two arrays in northeast Arkansas with a combined capacity of 380 kilowatts. The company recently completed a 277-kilowatt array in southeast Arkansas.

“We are really excited by today’s announcement,” said CEO Douglas Hutchings. “Bob has a long track record of growing and operating successful companies, and we are happy he recognizes the value of our business. He shares our vision of the exceptional benefits of solar to Arkansas businesses and wants to help bring this game-changing technology to as many companies as possible. And his professional experience will serve our company well.”

Over the past five decades, East has established companies in multiple industries, including commercial construction, low voltage technology and real estate development. In 2019, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas in recognition of his contributions to Arkansas business.

“Very early in my career, I’ve learned the value of positive company culture, exceptional customer service and the highest company values,” East said. “What separates Delta Solar from the pack is our diverse partner expertise, with both solar and financial experts as owners. Delta Solar is unique in the solar industry because we design and install our own projects, which leads to lower costs and better service for our clients. We also offer in-house financing for projects as the industry continues to grow. The recent ruling on net-metering will ensure long-term growth for the solar industry in Arkansas, which will be financially beneficial to businesses, farms and municipalities alike.”

Delta Solar, formerly Delta SunEnergy, was established in 2017 by Hutchings and AJ Hood.