Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Ally Mendoza, CEO of SUNTEX
By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021
Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. Throughout our preliminary appointment, I kept in mind that they might just achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a couple of additional energy performance upgrades to the house to decrease energy usage, which might supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the thought of investing more money into the home, however eventually 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 actually lowered their energy usage significantly, and she has a flat, predictable 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 fourth installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics associated with accelerating an equitable and simply 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 start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always try to find opportunities to serve others– be it by providing extraordinary customer support, language translations, or simply sharing understanding with others. My personal goals and desire to assist others led me to operate in the eco-friendly energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is basic: we desire to make solar simple and cost effective every step of the way. We mainly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt renewable energy as a lifestyle, helping generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the opportunity to sign up with a very promising small solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood. As an outcome, my partner and I combined his experience in offering to the Hispanic market with my customer support expertise to develop SUNTEX where “the customer is the reason we exist as a business”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic neighborhood and our consumers with exceptional consumer service.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority 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. Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and interaction from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would require a lot of support to comprehend how to obtain this advantage for their homes.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a small business with a high level of service expectations for our clients features its own set of difficulties. However, the best challenge we face is shared by a number of little services: turnover. Furthermore, despite the fact that solar power has been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. So, we need to spend a lot quantity of time training sales staff to make sure they are able to offer a high level of client service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our honest values. I have discovered throughout my life that in organization, there is no other way to do it best however to be sincere. While others might take faster ways, the truth constantly prevails.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
Throughout our preliminary consultation, I kept in mind that they could just accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to the house to decrease energy intake, which might supply a higher energy balanced out. Angela at first winced at the idea of investing more cash into the home, however ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
During the installation, we ended up spending for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel till their examinations and upgrades were complete to guarantee they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electricity used in her home. Thanks to the Air Conditioning upgrade, they have actually reduced 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 indicate by “customer service.”
From a nationwide point of view, how can we enhance access to sustainable enery?
From my experience, there is a large space in access. The majority of the property owners that we visit are lucky to own a house, yet much of them have not qualified for solar due to numerous combined or separated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly home income, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of offered loan programs. These neighborhoods require more assistance and education on the value of setting up a solar system that can conserve them cash. We need to supply more people with opportunities to embrace eco-friendly energy with less troubles.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your business?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our growth in this industry, and giving us the opportunity to meet others in the same boat. Now I know that there is hope for minority little businesses in the renewable resource industry.
How can possible partners do company with you?
It is very important that we share the exact same worths and mission to assist others, even if it implies getting out of our comfort zones. It may cost a little bit more for us to do company, however its worth it in the end for our clients. We d love to meet to go over possible collaboration opportunities if youre willing to start there.
Is there anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances you have supplied. I understand this is only the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; nevertheless, I anticipate ending up being a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my customers and collaborators at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
For more information about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
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