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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation features market leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and constantly try to find chances to serve others– be it by offering extraordinary customer care, language translations, or just sharing understanding with others. My individual goals and desire to assist others led me to work in the eco-friendly energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our companys mission is basic: we desire to make solar simple and budget-friendly every action of the way. We mainly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers comprehend and embrace renewable energy as a lifestyle, helping generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the opportunity to join an extremely appealing small solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood. As a result, my partner and I combined his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my customer care competence to create SUNTEX where “the customer is the factor we exist as a business”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic community and our clients with excellent customer service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic community a priority for SUNTEX?
Number One: it is in our blood. My service 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 recognize with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everyone, regardless of race or background, which our individuals would require a great deal of assistance to comprehend how to acquire this advantage for their houses.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
Being a little business with a high level of service expectations for our consumers features its own set of obstacles. Nevertheless, the greatest challenge we deal with is shared by a variety of small companies: turnover. Additionally, although solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. So, we have to invest a lot quantity of time training sales staff to make certain they are able to provide a high level of customer care.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By simply measuring up to our honest values. I have learned throughout my life that in organization, there is no other way to do it ideal however to be sincere. While others might take shortcuts, the fact constantly prevails.
Please show us a recent company success story.
During our preliminary consultation, I kept in mind that they might just accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a couple of additional energy efficiency upgrades to the home to lower energy consumption, which might supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the idea of investing more cash into the home, however eventually she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
Throughout the setup, we ended up paying for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel till their upgrades and inspections were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electricity utilized in her home. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy intake significantly, 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 nationwide point of view, how can we improve access to renewable enery?
Most of the homeowners that we visit are lucky to own a home, yet many of them have actually not certified for solar due to numerous combined or separated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower annual home income, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of readily available loan programs. We require to offer more individuals with chances to adopt sustainable energy with less troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your organization?
By empowering us to believe that there is somebody there to support our development in this industry, and giving us the chance to satisfy others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small companies in the eco-friendly energy industry.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is crucial that we share the same worths and objective to help others, even if it implies leaving our convenience zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do organization, however its worth it in the end for our customers. We d love to fulfill to discuss possible cooperation chances if youre willing to begin there.
Exists anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have actually provided. I know this is only the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I eagerly anticipate becoming a sponsor to assist pave the method for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my customers and partners at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
For more information about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. During our initial consultation, I noted that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We went over a few extra energy performance upgrades to the home to lower energy usage, which might supply a higher energy balanced out. Angela at first winced at the idea of investing more cash into the home, however ultimately she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioning upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy usage greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.