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 installation features industry leaders and subjects associated with accelerating an equitable and just transition to a sustainable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the sustainable energy sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and constantly look for chances to serve others– be it by supplying remarkable customer care, language translations, or just sharing knowledge with others. My personal goals and desire to help others led me to operate in the renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys mission is simple: we wish to make solar simple 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 understand and embrace eco-friendly energy as a way of life, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the chance to sign up with an extremely appealing little solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a top priority for SUNTEX?
Primary: it is in our blood. My service partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can determine well with our individuals and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not identify with our culture. We understood that solar benefits everyone, despite race or background, and that our individuals would need a great deal of support to comprehend how to acquire this advantage for their houses.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
Being a little business with a high level of service expectations for our clients comes with its own set of obstacles. Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By just living up to our sincere worths. I have actually learned throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it best but to be honest. While others might take shortcuts, the truth constantly dominates.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
Recently, after assisting a customer “go solar” in two of her homes, she referred a brand-new client named Angela to us. Throughout our preliminary visit, I kept in mind that they might only attain about 56% of solar power offset due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to the home to minimize energy usage, which could provide a higher energy offset. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more money into the home, but ultimately she called me back and stated she wished to progress with the solar and energy performance upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and discovered that her home required a larger a/c unit, plus additional ducts to disperse the air conditioning evenly throughout your home. We likewise told her that the financing partner might add the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she might get approved for a lower rate of interest than any other house enhancement loan for that a/c upgrade. She took my recommendations and chose to move forward and was, in reality, able to lower her loan rate of interest.
Throughout the setup, we ended up paying for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel up until their upgrades and examinations were total to guarantee they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electricity used in her house. Thanks to the a/c upgrade, they have minimized their energy consumption greatly, 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 support.”
From a nationwide viewpoint, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a vast gap in gain access to. Many of the homeowners that we check out are fortunate to own a house, yet a number of them have not gotten approved for solar due to several combined or isolated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower annual home income, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of readily available loan programs. These communities require more assistance and education on the value of installing a planetary system that can save them money. We need to supply more people with opportunities to embrace sustainable energy with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your organization?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our development in this market, and offering us the opportunity to fulfill others in the very same boat. Now I understand that there is hope for minority small companies in the renewable resource market.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the exact same worths and mission to assist others, even if it means getting out of our convenience zones. It may cost a little bit more for us to do company, but its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre prepared to begin there, we d like to satisfy to discuss possible partnership chances.
Is there anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the opportunities you have actually provided. I understand this is just the beginning, and we have a long road 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 collaborators at SUNTEX, since they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To find out more about SUNTEX, see https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. During our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they could just accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to the house to lower energy intake, which could offer a higher energy offset. Angela at first cringed at the idea of investing more cash into the home, however eventually she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar.