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 essentials of these tasks are not widely taught in school. During our initial appointment, I noted that they might just attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We discussed a few additional energy performance upgrades to the house to decrease energy consumption, which might offer a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially winced 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 effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have decreased their energy usage greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation features market leaders and subjects associated with accelerating an equitable and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the sustainable energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always search for opportunities to serve others– be it by offering exceptional customer care, language translations, or merely sharing understanding with others. My personal objectives and desire to assist others led me to operate in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss mission is easy: we desire to make solar simple and affordable every step of the way. We mainly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt renewable resource as a way of life, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the chance to join a really appealing little solar setup business in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community. As an outcome, my partner and I combined his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my client service know-how to produce SUNTEX where “the customer is the reason we exist as a company”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic community and our customers with exceptional client service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Number One: it remains in our blood. My organization partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can recognize well with our individuals and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have actually personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not relate to our culture. We understood that solar benefits everybody, no matter race or background, and that our people would need a great deal of support to comprehend how to obtain this benefit for their houses.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
Being a little business with a high level of service expectations for our clients includes its own set of obstacles. The greatest difficulty we face is shared by a number of small organizations: turnover. In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not extensively 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 impact through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our truthful values. I have actually found out throughout my life that in business, there is no other way to do it ideal however to be truthful. While others might take shortcuts, the reality always dominates.
Please show us a recent business success story.
Throughout our initial visit, I kept in mind that they might only achieve about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We discussed a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to the house to minimize energy consumption, which might supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more money into the house, however ultimately she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades.
Throughout the installation, we wound up spending for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel until their upgrades and inspections were complete to ensure they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical energy utilized in her house. Thanks to the air conditioner upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar. This is what we mean by “customer service.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a large gap in access. Many of the house owners that we visit are lucky to own a house, yet a lot of them have not qualified for solar due to numerous combined or separated factors such as subprime credit report, lower yearly household income, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of available loan programs. These neighborhoods need more support and education on the value of installing a planetary system that can save them money. We require to provide more people with chances to adopt renewable resource with less inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your organization?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our development in this industry, and providing us the chance to fulfill others in the same boat. Now I know that there is wish for minority little services in the eco-friendly energy market.
How can potential partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the exact same values and objective to help others, even if it means leaving our convenience zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do business, however its worth it in the end for our consumers. If youre prepared to begin there, we d love to satisfy to talk about possible collaboration opportunities.
Exists anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have actually offered. I understand this is just the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; however, 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 collaborators at SUNTEX, since they are the fuel that drives the objective!
For more information about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
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