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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. Throughout our preliminary appointment, I kept in mind that they could just attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We talked about a few extra energy efficiency upgrades to the house to reduce energy usage, which could provide a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first winced at the idea of investing more cash into the house, however ultimately she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioner upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy intake significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features market leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable and simply transition to a sustainable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always look for opportunities to serve others– be it by providing remarkable client service, language translations, or merely sharing understanding 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.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is simple: we desire to make solar easy and affordable every step of the way. We mostly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers comprehend and embrace renewable energy as a way of living, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the opportunity to sign up with a really promising little solar setup business in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community. As a result, my partner and I combined his experience in offering to the Hispanic market with my customer service competence to produce SUNTEX where “the customer is the reason we exist as a company”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic neighborhood and our consumers with exceptional customer service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a top priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and communication from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our people would require a lot of support to understand how to obtain this advantage for their houses.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our clients features its own set of difficulties. However, the best difficulty we face is shared by a variety of small services: turnover. Additionally, although solar power has been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. So, we have to spend a lot quantity of time training sales staff to ensure they have the ability to supply a high level of customer care.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By merely living up to our truthful worths. I have actually learned throughout my life that in organization, there is no other way to do it best however to be truthful. While others might take shortcuts, the reality always dominates.
Please share with us a current company success story.
Recently, after helping a customer “go solar” in two of her houses, she referred a brand-new customer named Angela to us. Throughout our preliminary appointment, I kept in mind that they might just attain about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a few additional energy performance upgrades to your home to decrease energy intake, which could supply a greater energy offset. Angela at first winced at the thought of investing more money into the home, however ultimately she called me back and said 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 found that her house required a bigger air conditioner system, plus additional ducts to distribute the AC equally throughout the house. We also informed her that the finance partner could include the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she might receive a lower rates of interest than any other house enhancement loan for that a/c upgrade. She took my suggestions and chose to progress and was, in truth, able to decrease her loan rates of interest.
Throughout the installation, we wound up spending for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel until their inspections and upgrades were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electricity used in her house. Thanks to the air conditioner upgrade, they have minimized their energy consumption significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we mean by “client service.”
From a nationwide perspective, how can we enhance access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a large space in access. The majority of the property owners that we check out are lucky to own a home, yet many of them have actually not qualified for solar due to several combined or isolated factors such as subprime credit score, lower yearly family income, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of available loan programs. These neighborhoods require more support and education on the significance of setting up a solar system that can conserve them money. We require to supply more people with opportunities to adopt renewable resource with less hassles.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your company?
By empowering us to believe that there is somebody there to support our development in this market, and giving us the opportunity to satisfy others in the very same boat. Now I understand that there is wish for minority small services in the renewable resource industry.
How can potential partners do organization with you?
It is very important that we share the very same values and objective to assist others, even if it suggests leaving our comfort zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do company, however its worth it in the end for our customers. We d like to fulfill to talk about possible collaboration chances if youre prepared to begin there.
Is there anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have provided. I know this is just the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; however, I eagerly anticipate becoming a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my clients and collaborators at SUNTEX, since they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To find out more about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
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