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 tasks are not widely taught in school. During our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they could just attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a few extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to reduce energy consumption, which might provide a greater energy offset. Angela at first cringed at the thought of investing more cash into the house, 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 actually decreased their energy consumption significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable and simply shift to a sustainable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are thriving in the renewable energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always search for chances to serve others– be it by providing exceptional customer support, language translations, or simply sharing knowledge with others. My individual goals and desire to help others led me to operate in the renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is simple: we desire to make solar simple and cost effective every step of the method. We mostly 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 show us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the chance to sign up with a really appealing small solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood. As an outcome, my partner and I combined his experience in offering to the Hispanic market with my client service competence to create SUNTEX where “the customer is the reason we exist as a company”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic neighborhood and our consumers with outstanding customer care.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a top priority for SUNTEX?
Primary: it is in our blood. My company partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can determine 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 relate to our culture. We understood that solar benefits everyone, despite race or background, which our people would require a great deal of assistance to understand how to acquire this benefit for their houses.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our consumers comes with its own set of challenges. Additionally, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not commonly taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By just living up to our truthful worths. I have found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it best but to be truthful. While others might take faster ways, the reality constantly prevails.
Please show us a current business success story.
Just recently, after helping a client “go solar” in 2 of her homes, she referred a new customer called Angela to us. During our initial visit, I kept in mind that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We went over a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the house to decrease energy intake, which might offer a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially winced at the idea of investing more money into the house, but ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move on with the solar and energy performance upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and found that her house needed a larger a/c unit, plus additional ducts to distribute the a/c equally throughout the house. We also told her that the financing partner could include the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she could get approved for a lower interest rate than any other home improvement loan for that air conditioner upgrade. She took my advice and decided to progress and was, in reality, able to decrease her loan rates of interest.
During the installation, we ended up paying for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel till their inspections and upgrades were complete to guarantee they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical power utilized in her home. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have actually decreased their energy consumption considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we suggest by “customer service.”
From a national perspective, how can we enhance access to sustainable enery?
From my experience, there is a vast gap in access. The majority of the house owners that we go to are lucky to own a home, yet a lot of them have actually not certified for solar due to a number of combined or separated aspects such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly household earnings, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of offered loan programs. These communities require more support and education on the importance of installing a solar system that can save them money. We need to provide more people with opportunities to embrace sustainable energy with less inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your business?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this industry, and providing us the chance to fulfill others in the exact same boat. Now I know that there is expect minority small companies in the eco-friendly energy industry.
How can potential partners work with you?
It is crucial that we share the same worths and mission to assist others, even if it indicates leaving our comfort zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do company, but its worth it in the end for our consumers. We d love to meet to talk about possible collaboration chances if youre ready to start there.
Exists anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have provided. I understand this is only the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I look forward to becoming a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my consumers and partners at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To get more information about SUNTEX, see https://suntexllc.com/.
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