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 basics of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. Throughout our preliminary appointment, I noted that they could only attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a few extra energy performance upgrades to the home to lower energy intake, which might supply a higher energy offset. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more money into the home, however eventually she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioning upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy intake greatly, and she has a flat, predictable 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 fourth installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics related to speeding up an equitable and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and constantly try to find 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 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 companys objective is easy: we wish to make solar easy and economical every step of the way. We mainly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace eco-friendly energy as a method of life, assisting generations to come.
Please share with 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 opportunity to sign up with a really promising small solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Top: it is in our blood. My service partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can determine well with our people and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and interaction from those that can not relate to our culture. We knew that solar advantages everyone, despite race or background, which our people would need a great deal of assistance to comprehend how to acquire this benefit for their homes.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our clients features its own set of difficulties. The biggest challenge we deal with is shared by a number of small organizations: turnover. Furthermore, although solar power has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. So, we need to spend a lot quantity of time training sales staff to ensure they are able to supply a high level of client service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By merely measuring up to our sincere values. I have discovered throughout my life that in business, there is no other way to do it best but to be truthful. While others might take shortcuts, the truth constantly prevails.
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 customer named Angela to us. Throughout our initial visit, I kept in mind that they might just attain about 56% of solar power offset due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a couple of additional energy effectiveness upgrades to your house to lower energy consumption, which could offer a greater energy offset. Angela initially flinched at the thought of investing more money into the house, however ultimately she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and discovered that her home required a bigger AC system, plus additional ducts to distribute the AC uniformly throughout your home. We likewise told her that the finance partner might add the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she might certify for a lower interest rate than any other home improvement loan for that a/c upgrade. She took my guidance and chose to move forward and was, in fact, able to minimize her loan interest rate.
Throughout the installation, we wound up paying for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel up until their upgrades and examinations were total to guarantee they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electricity used in her home. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have reduced their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar. This is what we mean by “consumer service.”
From a nationwide viewpoint, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
Many of the house owners that we visit are lucky to own a home, yet numerous of them have not certified for solar due to a number of combined or separated aspects such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly home income, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of available loan programs. We need to supply more people with opportunities to embrace renewable energy with fewer inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your business?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our development in this market, and giving us the opportunity to satisfy others in the very same boat. Now I know that there is hope for minority small companies in the renewable energy industry.
How can potential partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the very same worths and objective to help others, even if it means leaving our comfort zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do service, but its worth it in the end for our clients. We d enjoy to meet to go over possible collaboration chances if youre prepared to begin there.
Is there anything else you wish 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 start, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; nevertheless, I anticipate ending up being a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my consumers and collaborators at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To read more about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
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