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 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation features market leaders and topics associated with speeding up an equitable and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are growing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
What inspired you to start 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 just sharing understanding 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 bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is easy: we wish to make solar easy and budget friendly every action of the method. We mostly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and embrace eco-friendly energy as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the opportunity to join an extremely promising small solar setup company 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 offering to the Hispanic market with my customer care proficiency to develop SUNTEX where “the client is the reason we exist as a company”. Our focus is connecting the Hispanic community and our consumers with excellent client service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic community a priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced an absence of care and interaction from those that can not identify with our culture. We understood that solar benefits everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would require a lot of support to comprehend how to get this advantage for their houses.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of difficulties. Nevertheless, the best challenge we face is shared by a variety of small companies: turnover. Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. So, we need to invest a lot amount of time training sales personnel to make sure they have the ability to provide a high level of client service.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By just living up to our honest worths. I have found out throughout my life that in business, there is no other way to do it right however to be truthful. While others might take shortcuts, the fact constantly dominates.
Please show us a current business success story.
Throughout our initial consultation, I noted that they could just accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a couple of extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to minimize energy usage, which could provide a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first cringed at the idea of investing more cash into the house, however eventually she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades.
Throughout the setup, we wound up spending for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel until their inspections and upgrades were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical energy used in her house. Thanks to the A/C upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy consumption considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar. This is what we suggest by “consumer service.”
From a nationwide viewpoint, how can we enhance access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a vast space in gain access to. The majority of the property owners that we check out are fortunate to own a house, yet much of them have not qualified for solar due to numerous combined or separated aspects such as subprime credit report, lower annual family income, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of available loan programs. These neighborhoods need more assistance and education on the importance of setting up a solar system that can save them cash. We need to provide more people with chances to adopt eco-friendly energy with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your business?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our development in this market, and giving us the chance to meet others in the same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small businesses in the renewable resource industry.
How can prospective partners do business with you?
It is essential that we share the same values and mission to assist others, even if it means getting out of our comfort zones. It might cost a bit more for us to do service, however its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre prepared to start there, we d like to meet to go over possible partnership opportunities.
Is there anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the opportunities you have actually offered. 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 help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special 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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Additionally, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. Throughout our initial visit, I noted that they could just achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of additional energy efficiency upgrades to the house to lower energy intake, which could offer a greater energy offset. Angela at first flinched at the idea of investing more money into the home, however eventually she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the A/C upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy intake greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.