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 basics of these jobs are not widely taught in school. During our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We went over a couple of additional energy efficiency upgrades to the home to lower energy usage, which could offer a higher energy offset. Angela at first winced at the idea of investing more cash into the home, however eventually she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioner upgrade, they have actually decreased their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment includes market leaders and subjects related to accelerating a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always search for chances to serve others– be it by offering extraordinary customer support, language translations, or just sharing understanding with others. My personal goals and desire to assist others led me to work in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss mission is easy: we desire to make solar easy and inexpensive every step of the way. We mainly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and adopt sustainable energy as a method of life, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the opportunity to sign up with a really promising little solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Primary: it remains in our blood. My service partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can recognize well with our people and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and interaction from those that can not relate to our culture. We understood that solar benefits everyone, despite race or background, which our people would need a lot of support to comprehend how to get this benefit for their houses.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of challenges. 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 effect through SUNTEX?
By just living up to our truthful worths. I have actually learned throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it best however to be honest. While others may take faster ways, the fact always prevails.
Please show us a current business success story.
Recently, after helping a client “go solar” in two of her houses, she referred a brand-new client named Angela to us. Throughout our initial visit, I kept in mind that they could only accomplish about 56% of solar power offset due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to your home to minimize energy usage, which might offer a greater energy offset. Angela at first winced at the idea of investing more cash into the home, however ultimately 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 house needed a bigger AC system, plus extra ducts to disperse the AC equally throughout your house. We also told her that the financing partner could add the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she could qualify for a lower interest rate than any other home enhancement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my guidance and chose to move on and was, in fact, able to decrease her loan rate of interest.
Throughout the installation, we ended up paying for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel until their inspections and upgrades were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical power used in her home. Thanks to the a/c upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy consumption greatly, 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 suggest by “client service.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a large space in access. Most of the homeowners that we go to are fortunate to own a home, yet many of them have actually not certified for solar due to several combined or isolated elements such as subprime credit rating, lower annual family earnings, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of readily available loan programs. These communities require more assistance and education on the value of setting up a planetary system that can conserve them money. We need to provide more individuals with opportunities to embrace renewable resource with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your organization?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our development in this market, and giving us the chance to satisfy others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is hope for minority small companies in the renewable resource market.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the exact same worths and objective to help others, even if it suggests getting out of our convenience zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do business, however its worth it in the end for our customers. If youre prepared to begin there, we d love to meet to go over possible partnership opportunities.
Exists anything else you want to show 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 start, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I look forward to ending up being a sponsor to help pave the method for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my customers and collaborators at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To find out more about SUNTEX, see https://suntexllc.com/.
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