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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and subjects 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 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the sustainable energy sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and constantly search for opportunities to serve others– be it by offering remarkable customer support, language translations, or simply sharing knowledge with others. My personal goals and desire to assist others led me to operate in the sustainable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our companys mission is basic: we wish to make solar easy and inexpensive every action of the way. We mostly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and embrace renewable resource as a way of life, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my service partner and I had the chance to sign up with a really appealing small solar setup business in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a top priority for SUNTEX?
Top: it remains in our blood. My business partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can determine well with our individuals and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced an absence of care and communication from those that can not relate to our culture. We knew that solar benefits everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our people would require a great deal of assistance to comprehend how to acquire this benefit for their houses.
What challenges do you face? 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 companies: turnover. Furthermore, although solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. So, we have to invest a lot quantity of time training sales personnel to make certain they have the ability to supply a high level of customer care.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By simply measuring up to our truthful values. I have actually learned throughout my life that in service, there is no other way to do it right but to be sincere. While others might take shortcuts, the truth always dominates.
Please show us a current business success story.
During our preliminary consultation, I kept in mind that they might just achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a couple of extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to lower energy usage, which could offer a greater energy offset. Angela initially flinched at the idea 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.
During the installation, we wound up paying for Angela and her senior mother to stay in a hotel till their upgrades and assessments were complete to ensure they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical power used in her house. Thanks to the a/c upgrade, they have decreased their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar. This is what we mean by “customer support.”
From a nationwide point of view, how can we improve access to renewable enery?
Many of the house owners that we check out are lucky to own a house, yet many of them have not qualified for solar due to several combined or isolated aspects such as subprime credit rating, lower annual household income, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of offered loan programs. We need to supply more individuals with chances to embrace sustainable energy with less hassles.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your organization?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our development in this industry, and providing us the chance to fulfill others in the same boat. Now I know that there is wish for minority small companies in the sustainable energy industry.
How can prospective partners do service with you?
It is necessary that we share the exact same worths and objective to assist others, even if it indicates leaving our comfort zones. It may cost a little more for us to do business, but its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre willing to start there, we d enjoy to meet to discuss possible partnership opportunities.
Exists 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 opportunities you have provided. I know 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 a special thanks to all of my consumers and collaborators at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the mission!
For more information about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
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In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the essentials of these tasks are not widely taught in school. During our preliminary visit, I noted that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to the house to reduce energy intake, which might supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more money into the house, but ultimately she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioner upgrade, they have minimized their energy consumption significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.