Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Ally Mendoza, CEO of SUNTEX

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these tasks are not extensively taught in school. During our initial consultation, I noted that they could just accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We talked about a couple of additional energy performance upgrades to the home to minimize energy intake, which could offer a higher energy balanced out. Angela at first cringed at the thought of investing more money into the home, but ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy consumption considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable energy sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always look for chances to serve others– be it by providing remarkable consumer service, language translations, or merely sharing understanding with others. My individual goals and desire to help others led me to work in the renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss mission is basic: we want to make solar simple and cost effective every step of the way. 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 living, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the chance to sign up with a very promising little solar setup business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
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 identify with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our people would need a lot of assistance to comprehend how to get this advantage for their homes.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our consumers features its own set of challenges. However, the biggest challenge we face is shared by a number of small companies: turnover. In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not widely taught in school. So, we need to spend a lot quantity of time training sales personnel to make sure they have the ability to supply a high level of customer support.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By merely living up to our truthful worths. I have actually discovered throughout my life that in service, there is no other way to do it ideal however to be honest. While others may take faster ways, the fact always prevails.
Please share with us a recent business success story.
Recently, after helping a customer “go solar” in two of her houses, she referred a brand-new client named Angela to us. Throughout our initial visit, I noted that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We talked about a few extra energy effectiveness upgrades to your home to minimize energy consumption, which could provide a greater energy offset. Angela at first flinched at the thought of investing more cash into the home, however ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move on with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and discovered that her home needed a bigger AC system, plus extra ducts to distribute the air conditioner equally throughout the house. We likewise informed her that the financing partner might include the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she could receive a lower interest rate than any other home improvement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my suggestions and chose to move on and was, in reality, able to lower her loan interest rate.
During the installation, we wound up paying for Angela and her elderly mom to stay in a hotel till their upgrades and inspections were total to guarantee they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical energy utilized in her house. Thanks to the a/c upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy consumption 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 suggest by “client service.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we enhance access to sustainable enery?
From my experience, there is a large gap in access. Most of the house owners that we go to are fortunate to own a home, yet a lot of them have actually not gotten approved for solar due to several combined or separated factors such as subprime credit history, lower annual home income, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of readily available loan programs. These communities need more assistance and education on the significance of setting up a solar system that can save them cash. We need to provide more individuals with opportunities to embrace renewable resource with fewer inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your business?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our growth in this industry, and offering us the chance to meet others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is hope for minority small companies in the renewable resource industry.
How can potential partners do company with you?
It is necessary that we share the same values and mission to help others, even if it suggests leaving our comfort zones. It may cost a little more for us to do business, but its worth it in the end for our customers. We d enjoy to fulfill to go over possible cooperation chances if youre ready to begin there.
Exists anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have actually provided. I understand this is just the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; however, 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 clients and collaborators at SUNTEX, since they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To find out more about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
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