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 installation features market leaders and subjects associated with accelerating an equitable and simply shift to a renewable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and constantly try to find opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying exceptional client service, language translations, or merely sharing knowledge with others. My personal objectives and desire to assist others led me to operate in the renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is simple: we wish to make solar easy and affordable every step of the way. We mainly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers understand and adopt renewable resource as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey towards developing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the opportunity to sign up with a really promising small solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood. As a result, my partner and I combined his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my client service know-how to produce SUNTEX where “the consumer is the factor we exist as a business”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic community and our clients with excellent customer support.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a top priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and communication from those that can not recognize with our culture. We knew that solar advantages everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our people would need a lot of support to understand how to get this advantage for their homes.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
Being a little business with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of difficulties. Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these tasks are not commonly taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our sincere values. I have discovered throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it right however to be truthful. While others may take shortcuts, the fact always prevails.
Please show us a current business success story.
Recently, after assisting a customer “go solar” in two of her houses, she referred a brand-new client named Angela to us. Throughout our preliminary consultation, I noted that they could just accomplish about 56% of solar power offset due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We talked about a couple of additional energy performance upgrades to your house to minimize energy consumption, which could offer a higher energy balanced out. Angela at first flinched at the idea of investing more cash into the home, however ultimately she called me back and said she wished to move on with the solar and energy performance upgrades. We finished a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and found that her home required a bigger air conditioner unit, plus additional ducts to distribute the air conditioner equally throughout the home. We likewise told her that the financing partner could include the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she might certify for a lower rate of interest than any other house improvement loan for that a/c upgrade. She took my guidance and decided to move forward and was, in truth, able to minimize her loan rates of interest.
During the setup, we ended up spending for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel till their assessments and upgrades were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical energy used in her house. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have actually decreased their energy intake greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar. This is what we imply by “customer care.”
From a national perspective, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
From my experience, there is a huge gap in access. The majority of the property owners that we go to are lucky to own a home, yet a lot of them have actually not gotten approved for solar due to a number of combined or separated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly family income, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of readily available loan programs. These communities require more support and education on the value of installing a planetary system that can save them cash. We need to provide more people with chances to embrace renewable resource with less inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your business?
By empowering us to believe that there is somebody there to support our development in this market, and giving us the chance to meet others in the same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small companies in the renewable resource market.
How can potential partners do service with you?
It is necessary that we share the very same values and mission to help others, even if it indicates getting out of our convenience zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do business, but its worth it in the end for our customers. If youre prepared to start there, we d enjoy to fulfill to discuss possible partnership chances.
Is there anything else you wish to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have supplied. I know 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 clients and partners at SUNTEX, since they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To get more information about SUNTEX, check out 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 widely taught in school. During our initial appointment, I noted that they might just accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a few extra energy efficiency upgrades to the house to lower energy consumption, which could supply a higher energy offset. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more money into the house, but eventually she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the A/c upgrade, they have decreased their energy consumption significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.