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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not extensively taught in school. During our preliminary consultation, I noted that they might just accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a few additional energy performance upgrades to the house to lower energy usage, which could offer a greater energy offset. Angela initially winced at the thought of investing more cash into the house, however eventually she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioning upgrade, they have actually decreased their energy intake greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the fourth installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features industry leaders and subjects associated with speeding up an equitable and simply transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always look for opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying extraordinary consumer service, language translations, or merely sharing understanding with others. My personal objectives and desire to assist others led me to operate in the sustainable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is basic: we wish to make solar easy and budget-friendly every action of the method. We mainly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and embrace renewable energy as a way of life, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the chance to sign up with a very promising little solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Number One: it remains in our blood. My service partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can identify well with our individuals and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced a lack of care and communication 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 great deal of support to comprehend how to acquire this benefit for their houses.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
Being a small business with a high level of service expectations for our consumers comes with its own set of obstacles. Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By just measuring up to our sincere worths. I have learned throughout my life that in business, there is no other method to do it right however to be truthful. While others might take faster ways, the reality constantly dominates.
Please share with us a recent business success story.
Just recently, after assisting a client “go solar” in 2 of her homes, she referred a new customer called Angela to us. Throughout our preliminary appointment, I noted that they could just accomplish about 56% of solar power balanced out due to their homes usage rates and shading from trees on the home. We talked about a few extra energy efficiency upgrades to your home to minimize energy usage, which could supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first cringed at the thought of investing more cash into the house, but ultimately she called me back and said she wished to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. We finished a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and found that her house needed a larger air conditioner system, plus additional ducts to disperse the AC evenly throughout your home. We also informed her that the finance partner might include the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she could qualify for a lower interest rate than any other house improvement loan for that air conditioner upgrade. She took my suggestions and decided to move on and was, in fact, able to reduce her loan interest rate.
During the installation, we ended up paying for Angela and her elderly mom to stay in a hotel till their upgrades and examinations were total to guarantee they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electricity utilized in her home. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar. This is what we imply by “customer care.”
From a national perspective, how can we enhance access to sustainable enery?
From my experience, there is a large space in gain access to. Many of the property owners that we go to are fortunate to own a house, yet much of them have not gotten approved for solar due to numerous combined or isolated aspects such as subprime credit score, lower annual family earnings, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of available loan programs. These neighborhoods require more assistance and education on the significance of setting up a planetary system that can conserve them money. We require to provide more individuals with opportunities to embrace sustainable energy with less troubles.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your organization?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this industry, and providing us the opportunity to fulfill others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small companies in the sustainable energy industry.
How can potential partners do company with you?
It is important that we share the same values and mission to assist others, even if it means getting out of our convenience zones. It might cost a little more for us to do business, however its worth it in the end for our clients. We d like to meet to discuss possible cooperation chances if youre prepared to start there.
Is there anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances you have actually provided. 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 a special thanks to all of my customers and collaborators at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To discover more about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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