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 fourth installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes market leaders and subjects related to speeding up an equitable and simply transition to a renewable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the renewable energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and constantly try to find chances to serve others– be it by providing remarkable consumer service, language translations, or just sharing understanding with others. My individual goals and desire to assist others led me to work in the eco-friendly energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is simple: we desire to make solar easy and budget friendly every step of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt renewable energy as a way of life, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my service partner and I had the chance to join a really promising small solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood. As an outcome, my partner and I integrated his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my client service proficiency to produce SUNTEX where “the consumer is the factor we exist as a company”. Our focus is connecting the Hispanic community and our clients with outstanding customer support.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a concern for SUNTEX?
Number One: it is in our blood. My organization 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 knew that solar benefits everyone, no matter race or background, which our people would require a great deal of support to comprehend how to obtain this advantage for their houses.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our consumers features its own set of challenges. The greatest obstacle we face is shared by a number of little companies: turnover. In addition, despite the fact that solar power has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. We have to invest a lot quantity of time training sales staff to make sure they are able to supply a high level of consumer service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By merely living up to our sincere worths. I have actually found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it right however to be sincere. While others might take shortcuts, the truth always prevails.
Please share with us a current company success story.
Throughout our preliminary consultation, I kept in mind that they could only achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We discussed a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to the house to lower energy usage, which might offer a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more cash into the house, however eventually she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades.
Throughout the setup, we wound up paying for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel till their upgrades and inspections were total to ensure they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electricity used in her home. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have decreased their energy usage significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying before setting up solar. This is what we indicate by “client service.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a huge gap in access. Most of the homeowners that we go to are fortunate to own a house, yet a lot of them have not qualified for solar due to a number of combined or separated aspects such as subprime credit rating, lower annual family earnings, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of readily available loan programs. These neighborhoods need more support and education on the significance of setting up a solar system that can save them money. We require to provide more individuals with chances to adopt eco-friendly energy with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your company?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our growth in this industry, and giving us the opportunity to satisfy others in the exact same boat. Now I know that there is wish for minority small companies in the renewable energy market.
How can potential partners do service with you?
It is essential that we share the same worths and mission to help others, even if it suggests leaving our comfort zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do organization, but its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre willing to begin there, we d like to satisfy to talk about possible collaboration opportunities.
Exists anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have actually supplied. I understand this is just the start, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; nevertheless, I eagerly anticipate ending up being a sponsor to help pave the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my consumers and partners at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the mission!
For more information about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. During our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they might only attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a few extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the house to decrease energy consumption, which might supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially winced at the idea of investing more money into the house, but ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioner upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar.