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 jobs are not extensively taught in school. During our initial visit, I kept in mind that they could just achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to the home to minimize energy usage, which might supply a greater energy offset. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more cash into the home, however eventually 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 actually decreased their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the fourth installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes market leaders and topics associated with accelerating an equitable and just shift to a renewable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to start 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 extraordinary client service, language translations, or merely sharing understanding with others. My individual objectives and desire to assist others led me to operate in the eco-friendly energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is basic: we desire to make solar simple and cost effective every step of the method. We mainly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable resource as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the chance to join a very promising small solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community. As an outcome, my partner and I integrated his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my client service proficiency to create SUNTEX where “the customer is the factor we exist as a business”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic community and our customers with outstanding customer service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
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 everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our people would require a lot of support to comprehend how to acquire this advantage for their houses.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our clients includes its own set of challenges. However, the best challenge we face is shared by a number of small services: turnover. In addition, even though solar power has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not widely taught in school. We have to invest a lot quantity of time training sales personnel to make sure they are able to provide a high level of consumer service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply measuring up to our sincere values. I have learned 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 reality always prevails.
Please share with us a recent business success story.
Just recently, after assisting a customer “go solar” in 2 of her houses, she referred a new customer called Angela to us. During our initial visit, I noted that they could only attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to the home to lower energy consumption, which could offer a greater energy offset. Angela at first winced at the idea of investing more cash into the house, but eventually she called me back and stated she wished to progress with the solar and energy performance upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and found that her house needed a larger air conditioner unit, plus extra ducts to disperse the a/c evenly throughout your home. We likewise told her that the financing partner could include the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she might receive a lower interest rate than any other home enhancement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my recommendations and decided to progress and was, in reality, able to lower her loan rate of interest.
During the setup, we ended up spending for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel up until their assessments and upgrades were complete to ensure they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical power used in her house. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have minimized their energy consumption greatly, 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 imply by “customer support.”
From a national perspective, how can we improve access to renewable enery?
Many of the house owners that we check out are fortunate to own a home, yet many of them have not qualified for solar due to several combined or separated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower annual household earnings, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of readily available loan programs. We need to supply more people with chances to adopt eco-friendly energy with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your service?
By empowering us to believe that there is somebody there to support our development in this industry, and giving us the chance to satisfy others in the exact same boat. Now I know that there is hope for minority small companies in the renewable resource industry.
How can potential partners do service with you?
It is very important that we share the same values and mission to help others, even if it suggests getting out of our convenience zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do company, however its worth it in the end for our customers. If youre prepared to start there, we d like to fulfill to go over possible collaboration opportunities.
Exists anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have provided. I understand this is only the start, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I look forward to ending up being a sponsor to assist pave the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my clients and partners at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To get more information about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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