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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 4th installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and just transition to a renewable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and constantly search for chances to serve others– be it by providing extraordinary customer support, language translations, or just sharing knowledge with others. My personal goals and desire to help others led me to operate in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss mission is easy: we wish to make solar simple and cost effective every step of the way. We largely serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable energy as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the opportunity to sign up with a very promising small solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community. As a result, my partner and I integrated his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my customer care expertise to develop SUNTEX where “the customer is the factor we exist as a company”. Our focus is connecting the Hispanic neighborhood and our consumers with exceptional customer support.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic community a priority for SUNTEX?
Number One: it remains in our blood. My service partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can recognize 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 determine with our culture. We understood that solar benefits everybody, regardless of race or background, which our individuals would need a great deal of assistance to comprehend how to obtain this advantage for their houses.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a little business with a high level of service expectations for our consumers features its own set of challenges. However, the best challenge we deal with is shared by a variety of small companies: turnover. In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not widely taught in school. We have to invest a lot quantity of time training sales staff to make sure they are able to provide a high level of client service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply measuring up to our truthful worths. I have found out throughout my life that in company, there is no other method to do it best however to be sincere. While others might take shortcuts, the truth constantly dominates.
Please show us a recent business success story.
During our initial visit, I noted that they could only achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We talked about a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to the home to decrease energy intake, which could supply a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more money into the home, however ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
During the setup, we wound up spending for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel till their inspections and upgrades were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical power utilized in her home. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have lowered their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we imply by “client service.”
From a national point of view, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a large gap in access. Most of the homeowners that we check out are lucky to own a home, yet a number of them have not certified for solar due to several combined or isolated factors such as subprime credit score, lower yearly family income, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of readily available loan programs. These neighborhoods need more support and education on the significance of installing a solar system that can conserve them money. We require to offer more people with chances to adopt renewable resource with fewer inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your organization?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our growth in this industry, and offering us the opportunity to meet others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small companies in the renewable energy industry.
How can possible partners do organization with you?
It is very important that we share the very same values and mission to assist others, even if it suggests getting out of our comfort zones. It may cost a little more for us to do service, but its worth it in the end for our customers. We d love to fulfill to discuss possible cooperation opportunities if youre prepared to start there.
Is there anything else you would like to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have actually provided. I understand this is only the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; however, I look forward to ending up being a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my consumers and collaborators at SUNTEX, since they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To get more information about SUNTEX, see https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the essentials of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. During our preliminary consultation, I kept in mind that they might only achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the property. We discussed a few extra energy performance upgrades to the house to minimize energy usage, which might provide a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more cash into the house, but ultimately she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the A/c upgrade, they have decreased their energy intake significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar.