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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. During our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they might just attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We talked about a couple of additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to lower energy intake, which could supply a higher energy balanced out. Angela at first 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 effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the A/c upgrade, they have reduced their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up 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 connected to accelerating an equitable and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always look for chances to serve others– be it by providing remarkable customer care, language translations, or just sharing knowledge with others. My individual goals and desire to assist others led me to operate in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is basic: we desire to make solar simple and inexpensive every step of the method. We mostly 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, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the chance to sign up with a very appealing small solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity 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 customer care expertise to develop SUNTEX where “the client is the factor we exist as a company”. Our focus is connecting the Hispanic neighborhood and our clients with exceptional client service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic community a priority for SUNTEX?
Top: it remains in our blood. My organization partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can identify well with our people and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have actually personally experienced a lack of care and communication from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everyone, no matter race or background, which our people would require a great deal of assistance to comprehend how to get this advantage for their houses.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our clients features its own set of challenges. The biggest obstacle we deal with is shared by a number of small organizations: turnover. Furthermore, although solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. We have to spend a lot quantity of time training sales personnel to make sure they are able to supply a high level of client service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our truthful worths. I have actually learned throughout my life that in business, there is no other way to do it ideal but to be truthful. While others may take faster ways, the reality constantly dominates.
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 brand-new customer called Angela to us. During our initial consultation, I noted that they might only attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We discussed a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to your home to minimize energy intake, which could supply a greater energy offset. Angela at first cringed at the idea of investing more money into the home, however eventually she called me back and said she wished to progress with the solar and energy performance upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and discovered that her house needed a bigger air conditioner unit, plus extra ducts to distribute the AC evenly throughout your house. We likewise told her that the financing partner could add the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she might certify for a lower rate of interest than any other home enhancement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my recommendations and decided to progress and was, in fact, able to minimize her loan interest rate.
Throughout the installation, we wound up spending for Angela and her senior mom to remain in a hotel up until their evaluations and upgrades were complete to ensure they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electricity used in her house. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy intake significantly, 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 suggest by “customer service.”
From a national perspective, how can we enhance access to sustainable enery?
Most of the house owners that we go to are lucky to own a home, yet many of them have actually not certified for solar due to several combined or isolated aspects such as subprime credit score, lower annual household income, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of available loan programs. We need to provide more individuals with opportunities to embrace sustainable energy with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your company?
By empowering us to believe that there is somebody there to support our development in this market, and offering us the opportunity to meet others in the very same boat. Now I know that there is expect minority small companies in the renewable energy market.
How can possible partners do service with you?
It is important that we share the same worths and mission to help others, even if it implies getting out of our comfort zones. It may cost a little bit more for us to do organization, however its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre ready to begin there, we d love to meet to talk about possible collaboration opportunities.
Exists anything else you wish to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the opportunities you have offered. 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 method for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my customers and partners at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To read more about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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