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 installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes market leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and simply shift to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are growing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and constantly look for opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying exceptional client service, language translations, or just sharing knowledge with others. My personal goals and desire to assist others led me to operate in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is easy: we wish to make solar easy and affordable every action of the method. We mostly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable energy as a method of life, helping generations to come.
Please share with 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 business partner and I had the opportunity to join a very appealing small solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a concern for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not determine 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 benefit for their homes.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our clients 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 impact through SUNTEX?
By merely measuring up to our truthful values. I have found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it best however to be truthful. While others might take faster ways, the reality constantly prevails.
Please show us a current company success story.
Throughout our preliminary appointment, I kept in mind that they could only accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the home to decrease energy intake, which might supply a greater energy offset. Angela initially cringed at the idea of investing more money into the home, but ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
During the installation, we ended up spending for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel up until their upgrades and examinations were total to ensure they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical power utilized in her house. Thanks to the a/c 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 setting up solar. This is what we suggest by “customer support.”
From a national point of view, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a huge space in gain access to. The majority of the property owners that we check out are lucky to own a house, yet a number of them have actually not qualified for solar due to a number of combined or isolated aspects such as subprime credit history, lower yearly home earnings, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of readily available loan programs. These communities require more support and education on the importance of installing a solar system that can conserve them money. We require to provide more people with opportunities to embrace renewable energy with less hassles.
How has your Accelerate membership 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 understand that there is hope for minority small companies in the renewable resource market.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the exact same values and objective to assist others, even if it suggests leaving our comfort zones. It might cost a bit more for us to do service, however its worth it in the end for our consumers. If youre willing to begin there, we d enjoy to meet to go over possible cooperation chances.
Is there anything else you wish to show ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate membership 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 anticipate becoming a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my clients and collaborators at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To read more about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
###

Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. Throughout our preliminary visit, I noted that they might just attain about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to the house to decrease energy consumption, which might offer a greater energy offset. Angela initially cringed at the idea of investing more money into the house, however ultimately she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioning upgrade, they have decreased their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.