Advisory Board

Sustainable Residential Solar Systems

With over 20 years of experience in finance, investments, and mergers and acquisitions, Robert N. Black III is a solar entrepreneur and the CEO of Blackstar International. He holds a JD and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and the Wharton School, where he majored in Finance and Multi-national Management. He is also fluent in Spanish and has multiple publications in the field of solar energy.

Robert's current mission is to repurpose an inactive coal-fired electric plant in East Ohio into a solar energy hub that will enhance American energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and revitalize the local economy. Through this project, he aims to create new jobs, support schools, and invest in disadvantaged populations through partnerships with community organizations. He leverages his expertise in solar energy, corporate finance, and M&A to develop innovative solutions for the renewable energy sector and to expand Blackstar's global presence.

Robert Ober, F. AEI, SME 

Robert Ober is a veteran construction materials plant design engineer and equipment manufacturing executive.  His focus is on North American lean manufacturing of concrete and cementitious products, including masonry products, precast, prestress, and high-output and specialty ready-mix, with design engineering and industrial architecture at the forefront. A noted technical writer and holder of commercially successful patents for machinery and industrial systems, Ober is presently the senior partner in both a design-build firm, PA-PO Industrial Systems, LLC, and a construction machinery and equipment manufacturing and distribution firm, EquipPro Distributors, LLC.  A board member of numerous manufacturing firms, Ober’s specialty is high-production plant performance in the Deming Model.  Based in San Antonio, Texas, Ober works globally and also consults for his family’s businesses, located in Colorado and western Canada.   www.robertober.com