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 fourth installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation features market leaders and topics related to accelerating an equitable and simply transition to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are growing 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 opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying exceptional client service, language translations, or merely sharing knowledge with others. My individual objectives and desire to help others led me to work in the eco-friendly energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss mission is basic: we want to make solar simple and economical every step of the method. We mainly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable resource as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward 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 chance to join a very appealing little solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced a lack of care and communication from those that can not determine with our culture. We knew that solar benefits everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would need a lot of assistance to understand how to obtain this benefit for their houses.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
Being a small business with a high level of service expectations for our consumers comes with its own set of difficulties. Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these tasks are not widely taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply measuring up to our honest worths. I have actually found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other way to do it best however to be honest. While others may take shortcuts, the reality always dominates.
Please show us a recent company success story.
Throughout our initial visit, I noted that they might only achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to the house to minimize energy consumption, which might supply a greater energy offset. Angela at first cringed at the idea of investing more cash into the home, but eventually she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
During the setup, we wound up spending for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel up until their upgrades and inspections were complete to guarantee they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electricity utilized in her house. Thanks to the a/c upgrade, they have actually decreased their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar. This is what we mean by “customer care.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we enhance access to sustainable enery?
From my experience, there is a vast space in gain access to. Many of the house owners that we go to are lucky to own a house, yet numerous of them have actually not gotten approved for solar due to a number of combined or isolated aspects such as subprime credit score, lower yearly family income, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of offered loan programs. These communities require more support and education on the importance of setting up a solar system that can save them money. We need to provide more people with chances to embrace renewable resource with less hassles.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your business?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our development in this industry, and offering us the opportunity to satisfy others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small companies in the renewable resource industry.
How can potential partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the very same values and mission to assist others, even if it means getting out of our comfort zones. It might cost a bit more for us to do company, but its worth it in the end for our consumers. We d enjoy to satisfy to discuss possible cooperation chances if youre willing to start there.
Is there anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the opportunities you have offered. I understand this is only the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I eagerly anticipate ending up being a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my consumers and collaborators at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To get more information about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
###

Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these tasks are not extensively taught in school. During our preliminary consultation, I noted that they could only achieve about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a few additional energy performance upgrades to the house to reduce energy intake, which could offer a greater energy offset. Angela initially winced at the idea of investing more cash into the house, however eventually she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the A/c upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.