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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. During our initial consultation, I noted that they could just achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We discussed a couple of extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to reduce energy consumption, which might provide a higher energy offset. Angela at first flinched at the idea of investing more money into the home, however eventually she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioner upgrade, they have lowered their energy usage greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.

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 topics related to accelerating an equitable and just transition to a sustainable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are prospering in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always search for chances to serve others– be it by offering exceptional client service, language translations, or simply sharing understanding with others. My individual goals and desire to help others led me to operate in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is easy: we wish to make solar simple and affordable every action of the method. We mainly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace eco-friendly energy as a method of life, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the opportunity to join a very appealing small solar setup business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Number One: it remains in our blood. My company partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can identify well with our individuals and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and communication from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar benefits everybody, despite race or background, which our individuals would require a great deal of assistance to comprehend how to acquire this advantage for their homes.
What challenges 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. Additionally, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our sincere worths. I have discovered throughout my life that in business, there is no other method to do it ideal however to be sincere. While others might take shortcuts, the truth constantly prevails.
Please share with us a current business success story.
Just recently, after helping a customer “go solar” in two of her homes, she referred a new client called Angela to us. Throughout our preliminary consultation, I noted that they might only attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a few extra energy effectiveness upgrades to your house to decrease energy intake, which could supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first winced at the idea of investing more money into the house, however eventually she called me back and stated she wished to move on with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. We finished a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and found that her house required a larger air conditioner unit, plus extra ducts to distribute the a/c equally throughout your house. We likewise told her that the finance partner might add the cost 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 air conditioning upgrade. She took my guidance and chose to move on and was, in fact, able to minimize her loan interest rate.
During the setup, we ended up spending for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel up until their assessments and upgrades were complete to ensure they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical energy utilized in her home. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have actually decreased their energy intake greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we suggest by “customer care.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a huge space in access. The majority of the homeowners that we check out are fortunate to own a house, yet much of them have actually not received solar due to a number of combined or separated elements such as subprime credit rating, lower annual family income, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of offered loan programs. These neighborhoods require more support and education on the importance of installing a planetary system that can conserve them money. We need to supply more individuals with opportunities to adopt renewable energy with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your company?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this market, and giving us the chance to meet others in the very same boat. Now I know that there is wish for 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 objective to help others, even if it suggests leaving our convenience zones. It may cost a little more for us to do service, however its worth it in the end for our consumers. We d love to fulfill to discuss possible cooperation chances if youre ready to start there.
Is there anything else you wish to show ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the opportunities you have actually supplied. I understand this is just the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; however, I anticipate becoming a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my customers and collaborators at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To read more about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
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