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 installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and just shift to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering 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 providing remarkable client service, language translations, or simply sharing knowledge with others. My personal objectives and desire to assist others led me to work in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is easy: we want to make solar easy and budget-friendly every action of the way. We mainly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers understand and embrace eco-friendly energy as a way of living, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my service partner and I had the opportunity to join a very appealing little solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity offered 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 customer care knowledge to create SUNTEX where “the customer is the reason we exist as a business”. Our focus is connecting the Hispanic neighborhood and our customers with excellent client service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic community a concern 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 knew that solar advantages everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would require a lot of support to comprehend how to acquire this advantage for their homes.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a little business with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of challenges. Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not widely taught in school.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By merely living up to our truthful worths. I have actually found out throughout my life that in service, there is no other method to do it best but to be honest. While others may take faster ways, the fact constantly dominates.
Please share with us a recent business success story.
Recently, after assisting a customer “go solar” in 2 of her houses, she referred a brand-new customer called Angela to us. Throughout our initial appointment, 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 residential or commercial property. We discussed a couple of extra energy effectiveness upgrades to your home to minimize energy intake, which could offer a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first flinched at the idea of investing more money into the home, however ultimately she called me back and said she wished to move on with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. We finished a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and found that her house needed a bigger AC system, plus additional ducts to distribute the air conditioner uniformly throughout your home. We likewise told her that the financing partner could include the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she might certify for a lower rates of interest than any other home improvement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my advice and chose to move forward and was, in truth, able to lower her loan interest rate.
Throughout the setup, we ended up spending for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel till their upgrades and evaluations were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical energy used in her house. Thanks to the a/c upgrade, they have decreased their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar. This is what we indicate by “client service.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we improve access to sustainable enery?
From my experience, there is a vast space in gain access to. Many of the house owners that we check out are fortunate to own a home, yet a lot of them have actually not received solar due to several combined or separated factors such as subprime credit history, lower yearly home income, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of offered loan programs. These neighborhoods need more support and education on the importance of setting up a planetary system that can save them money. We require to offer more individuals with chances to adopt renewable energy with fewer inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your company?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this market, and offering us the opportunity to meet others in the exact same boat. Now I know that there is wish for minority small companies in the renewable resource industry.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the same worths and objective to assist others, even if it implies leaving our convenience zones. It might cost a little more for us to do company, but its worth it in the end for our clients. We d love to meet to go over possible collaboration opportunities if youre ready to begin there.
Is there anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have provided. I know this is only the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I eagerly anticipate becoming a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my customers and collaborators at SUNTEX, since they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To learn more about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. During our preliminary appointment, I noted that they might just accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a few extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to decrease energy consumption, which could provide a greater energy offset. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more money into the house, but ultimately she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the A/c upgrade, they have lowered their energy consumption significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.