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 site series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and subjects related to speeding up a fair and just transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are growing in the renewable energy sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always look for chances to serve others– be it by providing exceptional customer support, language translations, or simply sharing knowledge with others. My personal goals and desire to assist others led me to work in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is simple: we wish to make solar simple and inexpensive every step of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt renewable energy as a way of living, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the chance to sign up with a really promising little solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic community a concern for SUNTEX?
Top: it remains in our blood. My business partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can determine well with our people and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not determine with our culture. We knew that solar advantages everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would need a great deal of support to comprehend how to obtain this advantage for their homes.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our clients comes with its own set of obstacles. Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By just living up to our truthful values. I have actually learned throughout my life that in business, there is no other method to do it ideal however to be sincere. While others might take shortcuts, the fact always prevails.
Please share with us a recent business success story.
Just recently, after assisting a client “go solar” in 2 of her houses, she referred a new customer named Angela to us. During our preliminary consultation, I noted that they might only attain about 56% of solar power balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to your home to reduce energy consumption, which might provide a greater 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. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and found that her house needed a bigger Air Conditioning system, plus additional ducts to disperse the A/C uniformly throughout your house. We likewise informed her that the finance partner could include the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she might receive a lower interest rate than any other home improvement loan for that Air Conditioner upgrade. She took my recommendations and chose to move on and was, in truth, able to lower her loan rates of interest.
During the installation, we ended up spending for Angela and her senior mom to remain in a hotel till their assessments and upgrades were total to ensure they were comfortable throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical energy utilized in her house. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have minimized 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. This is what we imply by “customer support.”
From a nationwide viewpoint, how can we improve access to sustainable enery?
From my experience, there is a vast space in access. Many of the homeowners that we check out are lucky to own a home, yet a number of them have actually not received solar due to several combined or separated elements such as subprime credit rating, lower annual household income, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of offered loan programs. These communities require more assistance and education on the significance of installing a planetary system that can conserve them money. We need to provide more people with opportunities to adopt renewable resource with fewer hassles.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your company?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this industry, and giving us the chance to fulfill others in the same boat. Now I understand that there is wish for minority small services in the eco-friendly energy market.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the very same worths and mission to assist others, even if it indicates leaving our comfort zones. It may cost a little bit more for us to do organization, but its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre prepared to begin there, we d enjoy to fulfill to go over possible cooperation opportunities.
Is there anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have offered. I understand this is just the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I look forward to ending up being a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my customers and partners at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To discover more about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. During our preliminary consultation, I noted that they might only attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the home to decrease energy intake, which could supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first cringed at the idea of investing more cash into the house, however eventually she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.