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 installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and topics connected to speeding up a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are prospering in the sustainable energy sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and constantly search for opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying remarkable customer service, language translations, or merely sharing knowledge with others. My personal objectives and desire to help others led me to operate in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is basic: we wish to make solar easy and budget friendly every step of the method. We mainly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt sustainable energy as a way of life, helping generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the chance to sign up with an extremely appealing small solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Top: it is in our blood. My service partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can recognize well with our people and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and interaction from those that can not relate to our culture. We knew that solar benefits everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our people would need a lot of assistance to understand how to obtain this advantage for their homes.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a little business with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of obstacles. In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the essentials of these tasks are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By just living up to our sincere worths. I have found out throughout my life that in service, there is no other method to do it best but to be honest. While others may take faster ways, the fact constantly prevails.
Please share with us a recent business success story.
Throughout our preliminary consultation, I kept in mind that they could just accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to decrease energy usage, which might supply a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more money into the house, but eventually she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
During the installation, we wound up paying for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel till their upgrades and examinations were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electricity utilized in her home. Thanks to the a/c upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy consumption significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar. This is what we imply by “customer care.”
From a nationwide viewpoint, how can we enhance access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a vast gap in gain access to. The majority of the house owners that we check out are lucky to own a home, yet many of them have not received solar due to several combined or separated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower annual household income, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of offered loan programs. These communities need more assistance and education on the importance of installing a solar system that can conserve them cash. We require to supply more people with opportunities to embrace renewable resource with fewer hassles.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your business?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our development in this industry, and providing us the chance to fulfill others in the very same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority little businesses in the sustainable energy industry.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is important that we share the very same worths and objective to help others, even if it means getting out of our comfort zones. It might cost a bit more for us to do company, however its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre ready to begin there, we d enjoy to satisfy to discuss possible collaboration chances.
Exists anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have supplied. I know this is just the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I eagerly anticipate ending up being 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, since they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To read more about SUNTEX, see https://suntexllc.com/.
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Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not widely taught in school. Throughout our preliminary visit, I noted that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a few extra energy performance upgrades to the house to reduce energy usage, which might supply a greater energy offset. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more money into the home, but ultimately she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioning upgrade, they have decreased their energy usage significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.