Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Ally Mendoza, CEO of SUNTEX

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. Throughout our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they might only attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the house to lower energy usage, which might offer a higher energy offset. Angela at first cringed at the idea of investing more cash into the house, however eventually she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the A/c upgrade, they have minimized their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 4th installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and topics connected to speeding up a fair and just shift to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and constantly look for opportunities to serve others– be it by offering remarkable client service, language translations, or merely sharing knowledge with others. My individual objectives and desire to assist others led me to work in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is simple: we wish to make solar easy and budget friendly every action of the way. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers understand and embrace sustainable energy as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the opportunity to sign up with a very promising small solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood. As an outcome, my partner and I combined his experience in offering to the Hispanic market with my client service expertise to develop SUNTEX where “the customer is the factor we exist as a company”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic neighborhood and our clients with outstanding client service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a top priority for SUNTEX?
Primary: it is in our blood. My company partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can determine well with our people and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and interaction from those that can not identify with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everybody, no matter race or background, which our people would need a great deal of support to understand how to obtain this advantage for their houses.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of difficulties. Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By just measuring up to our sincere values. I have discovered throughout my life that in business, there is no other way to do it best however to be honest. While others might take faster ways, the truth constantly prevails.
Please show us a current business success story.
During our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they might only achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We went over a couple of additional energy efficiency upgrades to the house to minimize energy intake, which could provide a higher energy offset. Angela initially cringed at the idea of investing more money into the house, but ultimately she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
Throughout the installation, we ended up paying for Angela and her senior mom to remain in a hotel until their upgrades and inspections were total to ensure they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical power utilized in her house. Thanks to the air conditioner upgrade, they have lowered their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we mean by “customer care.”
From a national perspective, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
From my experience, there is a large space in access. The majority of the property owners that we visit are fortunate to own a home, yet a lot of them have not gotten approved for solar due to several combined or separated aspects such as subprime credit report, lower annual family income, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of offered loan programs. These communities need more assistance and education on the importance of installing a planetary system that can conserve them money. We need to provide more individuals with opportunities to embrace renewable energy with less inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your business?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our growth in this market, and providing us the opportunity to meet others in the exact same boat. Now I know that there is wish for minority small companies in the eco-friendly energy industry.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is crucial that we share the very same values and objective to assist others, even if it implies getting out of our comfort zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do business, however its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre ready to start there, we d like to satisfy to talk about possible partnership opportunities.
Is there anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances you have actually supplied. I know this is only the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I look forward to becoming a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my clients and partners at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To find out more about SUNTEX, see https://suntexllc.com/.
###