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 fourth installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics related to accelerating a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and constantly search for opportunities to serve others– be it by providing exceptional client service, language translations, or just sharing knowledge with others. My individual goals and desire to assist others led me to work in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss mission is basic: we wish to make solar easy and inexpensive every step of the way. We mostly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and adopt renewable resource as a method of life, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the opportunity to sign up with an extremely appealing little solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority 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 individuals and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and communication from those that can not relate to our culture. We understood that solar advantages everyone, despite race or background, and that our people would need a lot of support to understand how to acquire this benefit for their houses.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our clients includes its own set of obstacles. Nevertheless, the best difficulty we face is shared by a number of small companies: turnover. In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. We have to invest a lot quantity of time training sales personnel to make sure they are able to supply a high level of client service.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By merely living up to our honest worths. I have actually learned throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it right however to be sincere. While others may take faster ways, the truth constantly dominates.
Please show us a recent company success story.
Throughout our preliminary visit, I noted that they might just accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to decrease energy usage, which might provide a higher energy balanced out. Angela at first winced at the thought of investing more money into the house, but ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades.
Throughout the installation, we ended up paying for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel until their upgrades and examinations were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical power used in her house. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have lowered their energy usage greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we imply by “client service.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
From my experience, there is a vast gap in access. Most of the property owners that we check out are fortunate to own a home, yet many of them have actually not gotten approved for solar due to a number of combined or separated elements such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly household income, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of readily available loan programs. These communities need more assistance and education on the significance of installing a solar system that can conserve them cash. We need to supply more individuals with chances to adopt renewable energy with less inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your service?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this market, and giving us the chance to meet others in the very same boat. Now I understand that there is wish for minority little organizations in the renewable resource industry.
How can prospective partners do company with you?
It is essential that we share the same values and objective to help others, even if it implies leaving our comfort zones. It may cost a little bit more for us to do organization, however its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre willing to begin there, we d enjoy to meet to go over possible cooperation opportunities.
Exists anything else you would like 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 offered. I know this is just the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I look forward to becoming a sponsor to assist pave the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my customers and collaborators 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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In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. Throughout our preliminary appointment, I kept in mind that they might only achieve about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the house to lower energy consumption, which might supply a higher energy offset. Angela initially winced at the thought of investing more money into the house, however ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioning upgrade, they have minimized their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.