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 4th installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and topics connected to speeding up a fair and just shift to a sustainable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always search for chances to serve others– be it by providing extraordinary customer service, language translations, or simply sharing understanding 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 larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is basic: we want 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– assist Spanish speakers understand and adopt renewable resource as a way of living, helping generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the chance to join a very appealing little solar setup business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community. As a result, my partner and I integrated his experience in offering to the Hispanic market with my customer service knowledge to create SUNTEX where “the client is the reason we exist as a business”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic neighborhood and our customers with exceptional customer support.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic community a top priority for SUNTEX?
Primary: it remains in our blood. My service partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can recognize well with our people and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and communication from those that can not relate to our culture. We understood that solar advantages everybody, regardless of race or background, which our people would need a great deal of support to understand how to get this advantage for their houses.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
Being a little business with a high level of service expectations for our clients comes with its own set of challenges. Nevertheless, the biggest obstacle we deal with is shared by a variety of small businesses: turnover. Additionally, even though solar power has actually been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. We have to spend a lot amount of time training sales personnel to make sure they are able to provide a high level of consumer service.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By merely measuring up to our sincere values. I have learned throughout my life that in business, there is no other method to do it best however to be truthful. While others may take faster ways, the reality constantly prevails.
Please show us a recent company success story.
Throughout our preliminary appointment, I noted that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes usage rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a couple of additional energy efficiency upgrades to the home to decrease energy consumption, which could supply a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more cash into the home, but ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
During the setup, we ended up spending for Angela and her elderly mother to stay in a hotel until their evaluations and upgrades were complete to guarantee they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electricity utilized in her home. Thanks to the a/c upgrade, they have decreased their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar. This is what we mean by “client service.”
From a nationwide viewpoint, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
From my experience, there is a vast space in gain access to. The majority of the property owners that we go to are fortunate to own a house, yet many of them have actually not gotten approved for solar due to a number of combined or isolated factors such as subprime credit report, lower annual household income, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of readily available loan programs. These neighborhoods need more support and education on the value of setting up a solar system that can save them cash. We need to offer more individuals with chances to adopt renewable energy with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your service?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our development in this industry, and offering us the opportunity to meet others in the same boat. Now I understand that there is hope for minority small services in the renewable resource market.
How can potential partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the very same values and mission to help others, even if it indicates leaving our convenience zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do company, however its worth it in the end for our customers. If youre ready to begin there, we d enjoy to fulfill to discuss possible cooperation chances.
Is there anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances you have offered. I understand this is just the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I eagerly anticipate becoming 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, because they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To read more about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. Throughout our initial consultation, I noted that they might only 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 couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the home to lower energy usage, which might provide a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more cash into the home, but ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioning upgrade, they have minimized their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.