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 installation features market leaders and topics connected to accelerating a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and constantly try to find opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying exceptional customer support, language translations, or just sharing knowledge with others. My individual objectives and desire to assist others led me to operate in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss mission is basic: we desire to make solar simple and affordable every action of the way. We largely serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and adopt renewable resource as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company 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 chance readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood. As a result, my partner and I combined his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my client service knowledge to produce SUNTEX where “the consumer is the reason we exist as a business”. Our focus is connecting the Hispanic community and our consumers with outstanding consumer service.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic community a top priority for SUNTEX?
Number One: it remains in our blood. My company partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can identify well with our people and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and communication from those that can not determine with our culture. We understood that solar benefits everybody, no matter race or background, and that our individuals would require 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 comes with its own set of difficulties. Additionally, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these tasks are not widely taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By merely living up to our truthful values. I have learned throughout my life that in business, there is no other way to do it right but to be truthful. While others may take shortcuts, the reality constantly prevails.
Please share with us a current business success story.
Throughout our preliminary appointment, I noted that they could only achieve about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a few additional energy performance upgrades to the home to lower energy consumption, which could offer a greater energy offset. Angela initially flinched 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 performance upgrades.
During the setup, we ended up paying for Angela and her elderly mother to stay in a hotel until their inspections and upgrades were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical energy used in her house. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar. This is what we indicate by “client service.”
From a nationwide viewpoint, how can we improve access to sustainable enery?
Many of the property owners that we go to are fortunate to own a house, yet numerous of them have not qualified 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 knowledge of offered loan programs. We require to supply more individuals with opportunities to adopt eco-friendly energy with less troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your business?
By empowering us to believe that there is somebody there to support our growth in this industry, and providing us the chance to satisfy others in the same boat. Now I know that there is expect minority small companies in the renewable resource market.
How can potential partners do service with you?
It is necessary that we share the same worths and objective to help others, even if it suggests leaving our comfort zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do business, but its worth it in the end for our customers. We d enjoy to meet to talk about possible cooperation opportunities if youre ready to start there.
Is there anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have offered. I understand this is just the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; nevertheless, I look forward to becoming a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my customers and partners at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the objective!
For more information about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
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Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not widely taught in school. During our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they could just accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of additional energy performance upgrades to the house to reduce energy usage, which could offer a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the thought of investing more money into the home, but ultimately she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have lowered their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.