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 installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features industry leaders and subjects associated with speeding up an equitable and just transition to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the sustainable energy sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always search for opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying exceptional customer support, language translations, or just sharing knowledge with others. My personal goals and desire to assist 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 basic: we wish to make solar easy and affordable every step of the method. We mainly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt eco-friendly energy as a method of life, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” 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 very appealing small solar setup business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance 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 customer support know-how to produce SUNTEX where “the customer is the factor we exist as a company”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic neighborhood and our consumers with excellent customer support.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a concern for SUNTEX?
Primary: it remains 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 personally experienced an absence of care and communication from those that can not determine with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everyone, despite race or background, and that our individuals would need a lot of support to comprehend how to obtain this benefit for their homes.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of challenges. Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these tasks are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our honest values. I have discovered throughout my life that in business, there is no other way to do it best but to be honest. While others may take faster ways, the reality always prevails.
Please share with us a recent business success story.
During our preliminary visit, I kept in mind that they might just achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We discussed a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the home to decrease energy usage, which might supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the idea of investing more money into the house, however ultimately she called me back and stated she wanted 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 assessments and upgrades were total to guarantee they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical energy used in her home. Thanks to the A/C upgrade, they have minimized their energy usage significantly, 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 “customer care.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we enhance access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a large gap in access. Most of the homeowners that we check out are fortunate to own a house, yet a number of them have not gotten approved for solar due to numerous combined or isolated factors such as subprime credit report, lower annual home earnings, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of offered loan programs. These communities require more assistance and education on the significance of installing a planetary system that can save them cash. We require to supply more people with chances to adopt renewable resource with fewer hassles.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your service?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our growth in this industry, and offering us the opportunity to satisfy others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small companies in the renewable resource industry.
How can potential partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the same values and mission to help others, even if it indicates getting out of our convenience zones. It may cost a little bit more for us to do business, but its worth it in the end for our customers. We d love to meet to discuss possible partnership opportunities if youre willing to begin there.
Is there anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have supplied. I understand this is only the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I look forward to ending up being a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my clients and collaborators at SUNTEX, since they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To read more about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not widely taught in school. Throughout our initial visit, 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 property. We discussed a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to the home to decrease energy intake, which might provide a higher energy offset. Angela initially winced at the thought of investing more cash into the house, but eventually she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air Conditioner upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.