The Stitt Group

The Stitt Group began as a DIY home project in 1975 when Orlo and David Stitt installed a solar water heating system on their home in suburban Montreal, Canada. This simple, yet innovative, step sparked a passion for solar energy, leading Orlo to explore passive solar design and other renewable technologies. 

In 1978, that passion turned into action with the founding of Stitt Energy Systems in Rogers, Arkansas. The company initially focused on installing solar collectors for domestic water heating. As solar technology advanced, Stitt Energy Systems expanded into designing and building energy-efficient homes and installing solar electric systems. The company became renowned for its Stitt Homes, which integrated solar principles and high-performance building techniques to maximize energy efficiency and resilience.

In 2019, Stitt Energy Systems transitioned into The Stitt Group, an umbrella organization that broadened its offerings. As part of this evolution, Stitt Solar was launched as a dedicated division focused exclusively on solar energy and battery storage, serving northwest and central Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma, and southern Missouri.

The Stitt Group believes energy independence and a clean, healthy environment begin “where we live, work, and play,” as is stated in the company’s vision statement. Over the years, the company has committed to the understanding and implementation of building science, best building practices, the principles of passive solar design, and the integration of solar energy and battery storage in its projects. The goal is to enable clients to save money and achieve a lifetime of energy savings.

Northwest Arkansas has been a strong market for both residential construction and solar due to its rapid population growth, economic development and increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

“Our business will continue to grow, and we’ll become more integrated into the busy lives of our consumers,” the company said. “The integration of cutting-edge design, advanced battery storage, and energy systems will solve energy industry challenges and create opportunities for residential homes, commercial businesses, manufacturing and agriculture.”

The Stitt Group gives back, too. It has installed free solar systems for Habitat for Humanity of Benton County, sponsored Rogers Public Schools’ Project Graduation and given scholarships to graduating seniors in Rogers. Recently, it established the Suzanne Lantz Scholarship at the University of Arkansas for students pursuing careers in sustainability and design. The firm supports the Children & Family Advocacy Center, participates in Keep Arkansas Beautiful, and backs groups like the Spark Foundation.

Editor’s note: This company is a finalist for the Northwest Arkansas Outstanding Business Awards — Small Business category. Winners will be announced at a luncheon on April 9.