Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Ally Mendoza, CEO of SUNTEX

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the fourth installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation features market leaders and subjects associated with speeding up a fair and just 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 prospering in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always search for chances to serve others– be it by providing extraordinary customer support, language translations, or simply sharing knowledge with others. My individual objectives and desire to help others led me to work in the renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our companys mission is simple: we want to make solar simple and economical every action of the method. We mainly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace sustainable energy as a lifestyle, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the chance to sign up with a very promising small solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood. As a result, my partner and I combined his experience in offering to the Hispanic market with my client service competence to create SUNTEX where “the customer is the factor we exist as a business”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic community and our consumers with excellent consumer service.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a top priority for SUNTEX?
Number One: 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 communication from those that can not relate to our culture. We understood that solar benefits everybody, despite race or background, and that our people would require a lot of assistance to comprehend how to obtain this advantage for their homes.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our customers features its own set of obstacles. However, the biggest obstacle we deal with is shared by a variety of small companies: turnover. Additionally, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. We have to invest a lot quantity of time training sales staff to make sure they are able to supply a high level of consumer service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply measuring up to our honest worths. I have actually found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it ideal but to be sincere. While others might take shortcuts, the reality constantly prevails.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
During our initial appointment, I noted that they could only accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We talked about a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the home to lower energy intake, which might offer a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the idea of investing more cash into the home, but ultimately she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
Throughout the setup, we ended up spending for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel until their evaluations and upgrades were complete to ensure they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electricity used in her house. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have reduced their energy intake 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 support.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
Many of the homeowners that we go to are lucky to own a home, yet many of them have actually not certified for solar due to several combined or separated factors such as subprime credit score, lower yearly home income, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of offered loan programs. We require to offer more individuals with chances to embrace eco-friendly energy with less troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your business?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our development in this industry, and offering us the opportunity to fulfill others in the same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small companies in the renewable resource industry.
How can possible partners do business with you?
It is very important that we share the same worths and mission to help others, even if it suggests getting out of our comfort zones. It may cost a little bit more for us to do service, but its worth it in the end for our consumers. We d enjoy to meet to discuss possible collaboration chances if youre prepared to begin there.
Is there anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances 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 ending up being a sponsor to help pave the method for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my customers and collaborators at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To get more information about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. During our initial appointment, I noted that they could just achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the house to decrease energy intake, which could provide a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first winced at the thought of investing more money into the house, however eventually she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually decreased their energy usage significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.