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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features industry leaders and subjects related to accelerating an equitable and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always look for opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying remarkable customer support, language translations, or just sharing knowledge with others. My individual goals and desire to assist others led me to work in the eco-friendly energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is basic: we desire to make solar easy and cost effective 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 eco-friendly energy as a way of living, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the chance to sign up with an extremely appealing little solar setup business in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic community a concern for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced an absence of care and interaction from those that can not determine with our culture. We knew that solar benefits everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our people would need a lot of assistance to comprehend how to acquire this benefit for their houses.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our clients includes its own set of challenges. Nevertheless, the greatest difficulty we face is shared by a variety of small businesses: turnover. Additionally, even though solar power has actually been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. So, we need to spend a lot amount of time training sales personnel to ensure they have the ability to supply a high level of client service.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By simply measuring up to our sincere worths. I have actually found out throughout my life that in service, there is no other way to do it right however to be sincere. While others might take shortcuts, the reality constantly dominates.
Please share with us a current business success story.
During our initial appointment, I noted that they could only accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes usage rates and shading from trees on the home. We discussed a few extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the house to lower energy intake, which might offer a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more money into the home, but ultimately she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
During the installation, we wound up spending for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel till their upgrades and assessments were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electricity utilized in her home. Thanks to the air conditioner upgrade, they have minimized their energy usage greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar. This is what we suggest by “client service.”
From a national point of view, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
From my experience, there is a vast gap in access. The majority of the homeowners that we go to are lucky to own a house, yet a number of them have not gotten approved for solar due to several combined or separated factors such as subprime credit report, lower yearly family income, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of available loan programs. These neighborhoods require more assistance and education on the significance of setting up a solar system that can conserve them money. We need to provide more people with opportunities to adopt renewable resource with fewer inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your business?
By empowering us to believe that there is somebody there to support our growth in this market, and giving us the opportunity to satisfy others in the very same boat. Now I know that there is expect minority small companies in the renewable resource industry.
How can possible partners do service with you?
It is very important that we share the very same worths and mission to help others, even if it indicates leaving our convenience zones. It might cost a bit more for us to do company, however its worth it in the end for our consumers. We d like to fulfill to discuss possible cooperation opportunities if youre ready to begin there.
Is there anything else you would like to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have provided. I know this is just the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; however, I look forward to 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 mission!
To find out 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 widely taught in school. During our initial visit, I kept in mind that they might just achieve about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a few additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to reduce energy intake, which could supply a greater energy offset. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more cash into the house, however ultimately she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have minimized their energy usage greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.