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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the fourth installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features market leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always look for chances to serve others– be it by offering remarkable customer support, language translations, or just sharing understanding with others. My personal objectives and desire to assist others led me to work in the renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our companys mission is basic: we desire to make solar simple and budget friendly every step of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable resource as a method of life, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you chose to concentrate 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 chance offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Primary: it is in our blood. My company partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can identify well with our people and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not relate to our culture. We understood that solar advantages everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would require a great deal of assistance to understand how to acquire this advantage for their houses.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our consumers comes with its own set of difficulties. In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By just measuring up to our truthful values. I have discovered throughout my life that in company, there is no other way to do it best however to be truthful. While others might take faster ways, the reality constantly prevails.
Please share with us a current company success story.
Just recently, after helping a client “go solar” in two of her homes, she referred a brand-new client named Angela to us. During our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they could just attain about 56% of solar power offset due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We discussed a few extra energy efficiency upgrades to your house to lower energy usage, which could provide a higher energy offset. Angela initially cringed at the idea of investing more money into the home, however 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 usage was so high and discovered that her home required a bigger a/c unit, plus additional ducts to disperse the a/c equally throughout the home. We likewise informed her that the financing partner could include the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she might get approved for a lower interest rate than any other home enhancement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my recommendations and decided to move on and was, in reality, able to lower her loan rates of interest.
During the installation, we ended up spending for Angela and her elderly mom to stay in a hotel until their examinations and upgrades were complete to guarantee they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical power used in her home. Thanks to the a/c upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy usage greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we indicate by “customer care.”
From a nationwide perspective, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a huge gap in access. Many of the property owners that we visit are lucky to own a home, yet a lot of them have actually not gotten approved for solar due to numerous combined or separated elements such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly household income, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of readily available loan programs. These neighborhoods need more support and education on the significance of setting up a solar system that can conserve them cash. We require to provide more individuals with opportunities to embrace eco-friendly energy with fewer inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your organization?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our growth in this market, and giving us the opportunity to satisfy others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is wish for minority small companies in the renewable resource market.
How can potential partners work with you?
It is necessary that we share the very same worths and mission to help others, even if it implies leaving our comfort zones. It might cost a bit more for us to do business, but its worth it in the end for our consumers. We d like to fulfill to go over possible collaboration chances if youre willing to begin there.
Exists anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have provided. I know this is only the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I eagerly anticipate ending up being a sponsor to help pave the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my customers and partners at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To get more information about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
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Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not extensively taught in school. During our initial consultation, I noted that they might just achieve about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We talked about a few extra energy efficiency upgrades to the house to reduce energy usage, which might supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first cringed at the thought of investing more cash into the house, but eventually she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioning upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy consumption significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.