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 basics of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. During our initial appointment, I kept in mind that they could only achieve about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a few extra energy performance upgrades to the house to decrease energy intake, which might provide a higher energy balanced out. Angela at first 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 actually minimized their energy usage significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 4th installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and topics related to speeding up a fair and simply transition to a sustainable energy economy. In recognition 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 constantly search for opportunities to serve others– be it by offering remarkable customer care, language translations, or just sharing understanding with others. My individual goals and desire to help 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 objective is easy: we wish to make solar simple and affordable every action of the way. We largely serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt renewable energy as a way of living, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my service partner and I had the chance to join an extremely appealing small solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic community a concern for SUNTEX?
Number One: it is in our blood. My company partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can recognize well with our people and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not relate to our culture. We understood that solar benefits everyone, no matter race or background, and that our people would need a great deal of assistance to comprehend how to acquire this advantage for their houses.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
Being a little business with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of obstacles. Additionally, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these tasks are not widely taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By just measuring up to our sincere worths. I have learned throughout my life that in organization, there is no other way to do it right however to be truthful. While others might take shortcuts, the reality always prevails.
Please share with us a recent business success story.
Just recently, after assisting a client “go solar” in two of her houses, she referred a new customer called Angela to us. Throughout our initial appointment, I noted that they might only achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We discussed a few additional energy performance upgrades to your house to reduce energy consumption, which could supply a higher energy balanced out. Angela at first winced at the idea of investing more cash into the house, but eventually 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 use was so high and discovered that her home needed a bigger a/c unit, plus extra ducts to distribute the air conditioning equally throughout your home. We likewise informed her that the finance partner could include the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she might qualify for a lower rate of interest than any other home improvement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my suggestions and chose to move forward and was, in fact, able to lower her loan rates of interest.
Throughout the setup, we ended up spending for Angela and her senior mother to stay in a hotel up until their assessments and upgrades were total to ensure they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical energy used in her home. Thanks to the air conditioner upgrade, they have minimized their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar. This is what we imply by “customer service.”
From a national point of view, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
From my experience, there is a large gap in gain access to. The majority of the house owners that we go to are fortunate to own a house, yet a number of them have not qualified for solar due to numerous combined or isolated elements such as subprime credit score, lower yearly family earnings, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of available loan programs. These neighborhoods need more support and education on the importance of installing a solar system that can conserve them money. We need to supply more individuals with opportunities to embrace renewable resource with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your company?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our development in this market, and offering us the chance to satisfy others in the very same boat. Now I understand that there is hope for minority small companies in the renewable resource industry.
How can potential partners work with you?
It is necessary that we share the exact same worths and mission to help others, even if it indicates leaving our comfort zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do organization, but its worth it in the end for our customers. We d like to satisfy to discuss possible collaboration opportunities if youre ready to begin there.
Exists anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances you have actually offered. I know this is only the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; however, I eagerly anticipate becoming a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my clients and partners at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To discover more about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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