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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the fourth installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features market leaders and topics associated with accelerating an equitable and simply transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition 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 always search for chances to serve others– be it by offering exceptional customer care, language translations, or simply sharing understanding with others. My individual objectives and desire to help others led me to work in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is simple: we wish to make solar simple and inexpensive every action of the way. We mainly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and embrace renewable resource as a method of life, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the chance to join a really appealing small solar setup business 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 Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and communication from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would need a lot of support to understand how to obtain this advantage for their homes.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
Being a little business with a high level of service expectations for our clients features its own set of difficulties. Nevertheless, the greatest challenge we face is shared by a variety of small companies: turnover. In addition, even though solar power has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not extensively taught in school. So, we need to spend a lot amount of time training sales personnel to make certain they are able to provide a high level of client service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By just living up to our honest worths. I have actually discovered throughout my life that in company, there is no other way to do it ideal however to be sincere. While others may take shortcuts, the reality constantly prevails.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
Recently, after assisting a customer “go solar” in 2 of her homes, she referred a brand-new client named Angela to us. Throughout our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they might just achieve about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to the house to reduce energy intake, which might provide a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the thought of investing more cash into the home, however ultimately she called me back and said she wished to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and found that her house required a bigger AC system, plus additional ducts to disperse the air conditioner evenly throughout your home. We likewise informed her that the finance partner could include the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she could certify for a lower rate of interest than any other home improvement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my advice and decided to move on and was, in fact, able to reduce her loan interest rate.
During the installation, we ended up spending for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel up until their assessments and upgrades were complete to guarantee they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electricity used in her house. Thanks to the air conditioner upgrade, they have minimized their energy consumption considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar. This is what we imply by “customer support.”
From a nationwide perspective, how can we improve access to sustainable enery?
Many of the homeowners that we go to are fortunate to own a house, yet numerous of them have not qualified for solar due to a number of combined or separated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly household income, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of readily available loan programs. We require to provide more individuals with opportunities to adopt renewable energy with fewer inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your business?
By empowering us to believe that there is somebody there to support our growth in this industry, and offering us the chance to satisfy others in the exact same boat. Now I know that there is wish for minority small companies in the renewable resource industry.
How can prospective partners do organization with you?
It is important that we share the exact same values and mission to help others, even if it means leaving our convenience zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do company, but its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre willing to begin there, we d love to meet to go over possible collaboration opportunities.
Exists anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have offered. I know this is only the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I look forward to becoming a sponsor to help pave the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my clients and partners at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To find out more about SUNTEX, see https://suntexllc.com/.
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In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not widely taught in school. Throughout our preliminary appointment, 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 residential or commercial property. We discussed a couple of additional energy efficiency upgrades to the home to minimize energy usage, which might provide a higher energy balanced out. Angela at first cringed at the idea of investing more cash into the home, but ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioning upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.