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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. Throughout our initial visit, I noted that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We went over a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to the home to reduce energy intake, which might offer a higher energy offset. Angela at first winced at the thought of investing more cash into the house, however eventually she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the A/c upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy intake significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 4th installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features market leaders and subjects related to accelerating an equitable and just transition to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are growing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always search for opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying exceptional customer support, language translations, or merely sharing knowledge with others. My personal 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.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is easy: we desire to make solar easy and economical every step of the way. We mostly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt renewable energy as a method of life, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the chance to join a really promising little solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced a lack of care and communication from those that can not determine with our culture. We understood that solar benefits everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our people would require a lot of assistance to understand how to obtain this benefit for their houses.
What challenges do you deal with? 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 actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our sincere worths. I have discovered throughout my life that in business, there is no other method to do it right but to be truthful. While others might take shortcuts, the fact constantly dominates.
Please show us a current company success story.
Just recently, after assisting a client “go solar” in two of her homes, she referred a brand-new client named Angela to us. During our preliminary consultation, I noted that they could just achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a few additional energy effectiveness upgrades to your home to lower energy intake, which could supply a greater energy offset. Angela initially flinched at the thought of investing more money into the house, however eventually she called me back and stated she desired to progress with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and found that her home needed a larger air conditioning system, plus additional ducts to distribute the a/c equally throughout your home. We also informed her that the finance partner might include the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she could get approved for a lower rate of interest than any other home improvement loan for that air conditioner upgrade. She took my suggestions and decided to progress and was, in reality, able to lower her loan rates of interest.
Throughout the setup, we wound up paying for Angela and her elderly mother to stay in a hotel till their examinations and upgrades were total to ensure they were comfortable throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical power utilized in her home. Thanks to the air conditioner upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar. This is what we mean by “consumer service.”
From a national point of view, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a huge gap in access. Many of the property owners that we go to are fortunate to own a home, yet numerous of them have actually not gotten approved for solar due to a number of combined or separated aspects such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly household earnings, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of available loan programs. These neighborhoods need more support and education on the importance of setting up a planetary system that can save them cash. We need to supply more people with chances to adopt sustainable energy with less inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your organization?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our growth in this market, and offering us the chance to satisfy others in the very same boat. Now I know that there is wish for minority small companies in the renewable resource market.
How can prospective partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the same values and mission to assist others, even if it implies getting out of 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 love to meet to talk about possible collaboration opportunities if youre ready to begin there.
Exists anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have actually offered. I understand this is just the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I eagerly anticipate ending up being a sponsor to help pave the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my clients and collaborators at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To find out more about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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