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 installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and subjects associated with speeding up an equitable and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are thriving in the renewable energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and constantly try to find opportunities to serve others– be it by offering exceptional client service, language translations, or merely sharing knowledge with others. My individual objectives and desire to assist others led me to operate in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is basic: we desire to make solar easy and budget-friendly every action of the way. We mainly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable resource as a way of living, helping generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the chance to join a very appealing little 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 integrated his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my client service proficiency to produce SUNTEX where “the customer is the factor we exist as a business”. Our focus is connecting the Hispanic neighborhood and our customers with excellent client service.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a top priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would require a lot of assistance to comprehend how to get this benefit for their houses.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
Being a small business with a high level of service expectations for our clients comes with its own set of obstacles. In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these tasks are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our truthful values. I have actually discovered throughout my life that in company, there is no other way to do it best however to be sincere. While others might take faster ways, the truth constantly dominates.
Please share with us a recent business success story.
Just recently, after assisting a client “go solar” in two of her houses, she referred a new customer named Angela to us. Throughout our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they could just attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We talked about a couple of extra energy effectiveness upgrades to your home to minimize energy consumption, which could offer a greater energy offset. Angela at first flinched at the thought of investing more money into the home, but eventually she called me back and said she wished to progress with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. We finished a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and discovered that her home required a bigger air conditioner unit, plus extra ducts to distribute the AC equally throughout the home. We likewise informed her that the financing partner might add the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she could receive a lower rate of interest than any other house improvement loan for that air conditioner upgrade. She took my recommendations and chose to progress and was, in reality, able to reduce her loan rate of interest.
Throughout the installation, we ended up spending for Angela and her senior mom to remain in a hotel until their evaluations and upgrades were complete to guarantee they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electricity utilized in her home. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy intake significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar. This is what we indicate by “customer support.”
From a nationwide perspective, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
Many of the property owners that we go to are fortunate to own a house, yet many of them have not certified for solar due to numerous combined or separated elements such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly family earnings, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of available loan programs. We need to offer more individuals with chances to embrace eco-friendly energy with less hassles.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your company?
By empowering us to believe that there is somebody there to support our growth in this industry, and providing us the opportunity to satisfy others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority little organizations in the renewable resource market.
How can potential partners do company with you?
It is essential that we share the exact same values and mission to assist others, even if it implies getting out of our convenience zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do service, but its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre prepared to begin there, we d enjoy to meet to go over possible cooperation chances.
Exists anything else you would like to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the opportunities you have actually provided. I know this is just the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I anticipate becoming a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my consumers and partners at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To learn more about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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Additionally, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. During our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they could just achieve about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to the home to decrease energy consumption, which might offer a greater energy offset. Angela at first cringed at the idea of investing more money into the home, but eventually she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioning upgrade, they have reduced their energy intake significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.