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 installation includes industry leaders and subjects associated with speeding up an equitable and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are prospering in the renewable energy sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always look for chances to serve others– be it by providing exceptional customer support, language translations, or just sharing understanding with others. My personal objectives and desire to assist others led me to work in the sustainable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss mission is easy: we wish to make solar easy and affordable every step of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable resource as a way of living, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the opportunity to join a really appealing small solar setup business in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic community a top priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced a lack of care and communication from those that can not identify with our culture. We understood that solar benefits everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our people would need a lot of support to comprehend how to get this advantage for their houses.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of challenges. Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not widely taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our truthful values. I have found out throughout my life that in service, there is no other way to do it best but to be sincere. While others may take shortcuts, the fact always dominates.
Please show us a recent business success story.
During our initial visit, I kept in mind that they could only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We discussed a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to the home to lower energy intake, which could offer a greater energy offset. Angela initially flinched at the thought of investing more money into the house, but ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
Throughout the installation, we wound up paying for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel till their upgrades and assessments were total to guarantee they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical energy used in her home. Thanks to the a/c upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we mean by “client service.”
From a national point of view, how can we improve access to sustainable enery?
Many of the house owners that we go to are fortunate to own a home, yet numerous of them have actually not qualified for solar due to several combined or separated elements such as subprime credit score, lower annual household income, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of available loan programs. We require to offer more individuals with chances to adopt renewable energy with fewer inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your organization?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our growth in this market, and giving us the chance to satisfy others in the same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small companies in the eco-friendly energy market.
How can prospective partners work with you?
It is important that we share the exact same values and mission to assist others, even if it suggests getting out of our comfort zones. It might cost a little more for us to do service, however its worth it in the end for our customers. If youre ready to start there, we d enjoy to fulfill to talk about possible partnership chances.
Exists anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have actually supplied. I know this is only the start, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I look forward to becoming a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my clients and partners at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To read more about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these tasks are not widely taught in school. Throughout our initial consultation, I noted that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We talked about a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to the home to lower energy usage, which might supply a greater energy offset. Angela at first winced at the thought of investing more money into the home, but ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioner upgrade, they have actually decreased their energy consumption significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.