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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 4th installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics connected to speeding up an equitable and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always try to find chances to serve others– be it by offering remarkable client service, language translations, or merely sharing knowledge with others. My individual goals 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 companys objective is basic: we wish to make solar easy and economical every action of the way. We largely serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace sustainable energy as a way of life, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the opportunity to join an extremely promising little solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic community a top priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not identify with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would require a lot of support to understand how to get this benefit for their houses.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our consumers comes with its own set of difficulties. Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not widely taught in school.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By merely living up to our truthful values. I have actually learned throughout my life that in business, there is no other way to do it best but to be truthful. While others may take shortcuts, the reality constantly dominates.
Please show us a current business success story.
Recently, after helping a client “go solar” in 2 of her homes, she referred a new client named Angela to us. Throughout our initial visit, I noted that they could just achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the home. We talked about a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to your house to lower energy consumption, which could supply a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the thought of investing more money into the house, but eventually she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. We finished a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and discovered that her house needed a bigger air conditioner system, plus extra ducts to distribute the air conditioner equally throughout your home. We also told her that the financing partner could include the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she could qualify for a lower rate of interest than any other home enhancement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my guidance and chose to move on and was, in reality, able to minimize her loan rate of interest.
During the installation, we wound up paying for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel up until their inspections and upgrades were complete to ensure they were comfortable throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical power used in her home. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have decreased their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we mean by “customer support.”
From a national point of view, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
From my experience, there is a large gap in gain access to. The majority of the property owners that we go to are lucky to own a house, yet many of them have actually not received solar due to several combined or separated factors such as subprime credit score, lower annual family earnings, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of readily available loan programs. These communities require more assistance and education on the value of installing a planetary system that can save them money. We need to offer more individuals with chances to adopt renewable resource with fewer inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your service?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our development in this industry, and giving us the chance to satisfy others in the very same boat. Now I know that there is hope for minority small companies in the renewable resource market.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is very important that we share the very same values and mission to help others, even if it indicates leaving our convenience zones. It may cost a little more for us to do organization, but its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre willing to begin there, we d enjoy to meet to go over possible partnership opportunities.
Is there anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have actually provided. I understand this is just the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; however, I look forward to ending up being a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my clients and collaborators at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To learn more about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. Throughout our initial appointment, I kept in mind that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a few additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the house to decrease energy consumption, which might offer a greater energy offset. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more money into the home, however ultimately she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioner upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy intake greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.