Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Ally Mendoza, CEO of SUNTEX
By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021
Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. Throughout our initial visit, I kept in mind that they might just accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We went over a few extra energy performance upgrades to the home to lower energy consumption, which might provide a greater energy offset. Angela at first cringed at the idea of investing more cash into the home, but eventually she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the fourth installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes market leaders and subjects associated with speeding up a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always look for chances to serve others– be it by offering extraordinary customer care, language translations, or merely sharing understanding with others. My individual objectives 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 companys objective is easy: we wish to make solar easy and inexpensive every step of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers comprehend and embrace renewable resource as a way of life, helping generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the chance to join an extremely appealing little solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and communication from those that can not determine with our culture. We knew that solar advantages everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would require a lot of support to comprehend how to obtain this benefit for their houses.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
Being a small business with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of difficulties. 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 simply measuring up to our sincere values. I have found out throughout my life that in service, there is no other method to do it ideal however to be honest. While others might take shortcuts, the truth always prevails.
Please show us a current company success story.
Recently, after assisting a client “go solar” in two of her homes, she referred a new client named Angela to us. During our preliminary consultation, I noted that they could just attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the property. We talked about a couple of additional energy efficiency upgrades to the home to decrease energy consumption, which could offer a higher energy balanced out. Angela at first cringed at the thought of investing more cash into the home, but eventually she called me back and stated she wished to progress with the solar and energy performance upgrades. We finished a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and discovered that her home required a bigger air conditioner system, plus extra ducts to distribute the AC uniformly throughout the house. We also informed her that the financing partner might add the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she might certify for a lower rates of interest than any other home improvement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my recommendations and decided to move on and was, in reality, able to reduce her loan interest rate.
Throughout the installation, we wound up spending for Angela and her senior 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 utilized in her house. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we indicate by “customer care.”
From a national point of view, how can we improve access to renewable enery?
From my experience, there is a large space in access. Most of the property owners that we visit are lucky to own a house, yet a number of them have not gotten approved for solar due to a number of combined or separated aspects such as subprime credit score, lower annual home earnings, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of available loan programs. These neighborhoods need more assistance and education on the value of installing a planetary system that can save them cash. We require to offer more individuals with chances to embrace renewable resource with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your service?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our development in this industry, and providing us the chance to meet others in the same boat. Now I know that there is wish for minority small companies in the renewable resource market.
How can potential partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the very same worths and mission to assist others, even if it indicates getting out of our comfort zones. It may cost a little bit more for us to do service, however its worth it in the end for our consumers. We d enjoy to satisfy to discuss possible collaboration chances if youre willing to start there.
Is there anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have provided. I know this is just the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I anticipate becoming a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my customers and partners at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To learn more about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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