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 installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and subjects connected to speeding up an equitable and just shift to a sustainable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are growing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to start 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 extraordinary customer care, language translations, or merely 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.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is basic: we want to make solar easy and budget-friendly every action of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable resource as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the chance to sign up with a very 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 offering to the Hispanic market with my customer care knowledge to develop SUNTEX where “the customer is the factor we exist as a business”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic neighborhood and our clients with exceptional customer support.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic community a concern for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and interaction from those that can not identify with our culture. We knew that solar benefits everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our people would need a lot of support to understand how to acquire this benefit for their houses.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
Being a little business with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of obstacles. Nevertheless, the best difficulty we deal with is shared by a number of small companies: turnover. Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not widely taught in school. We have to invest a lot quantity of time training sales staff to make sure they are able to provide a high level of client service.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By merely living up to our honest values. I have actually found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it best however to be truthful. While others might take shortcuts, the reality constantly dominates.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
Just recently, after helping a client “go solar” in 2 of her homes, she referred a new customer named Angela to us. Throughout our initial visit, I kept in mind that they might just achieve about 56% of solar power balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We talked about a couple of additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the house to lower energy consumption, which could offer a greater energy offset. Angela at first winced at the idea of investing more money into the house, but ultimately she called me back and stated she wanted to progress with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and discovered that her house required a larger AC system, plus additional ducts to disperse the air conditioner evenly throughout the home. We likewise told her that the financing partner might include the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she could certify for a lower interest rate than any other home enhancement loan for that a/c upgrade. She took my recommendations and decided to progress and was, in fact, able to lower her loan rates of interest.
During the setup, we wound up paying for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel up until their examinations and upgrades were complete to guarantee they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electricity utilized in her house. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have decreased their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar. This is what we indicate by “customer support.”
From a national perspective, how can we enhance access to sustainable enery?
From my experience, there is a vast gap in access. The majority of the property owners that we visit are lucky to own a home, yet numerous of them have actually not received solar due to numerous combined or separated aspects such as subprime credit history, lower yearly household income, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of offered loan programs. These neighborhoods require more assistance and education on the value of installing a solar system that can conserve them cash. We need to provide more people with opportunities to embrace renewable resource with less inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your service?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our growth in this market, and providing us the chance to fulfill others in the same boat. Now I know that there is expect minority small organizations in the renewable resource market.
How can potential partners do organization with you?
It is necessary that we share the same values and mission to assist others, even if it indicates getting out of our convenience zones. It might cost a bit more for us to do business, however its worth it in the end for our consumers. We d enjoy to satisfy to discuss possible cooperation opportunities if youre prepared to begin 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 actually provided. I know this is only the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; nevertheless, I anticipate ending up being a sponsor to help pave the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my consumers and partners at SUNTEX, since they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To read more about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
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In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. Throughout our initial consultation, I noted that they could only attain about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a couple of additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the house to reduce energy consumption, which might offer a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first flinched at the idea of investing more money into the home, however ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioner upgrade, they have actually decreased their energy usage significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.