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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 4th installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes market leaders and topics associated with accelerating an equitable and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and constantly try to find chances to serve others– be it by offering extraordinary client service, language translations, or just sharing knowledge with others. My personal objectives and desire to assist others led me to work in the renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is basic: we want to make solar simple and affordable every action of the method. We mostly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers understand and adopt eco-friendly energy as a way of life, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the opportunity to join a really appealing small solar setup business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
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 determine with our culture. We knew that solar advantages everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our people would require a lot of assistance to understand how to get this benefit for their homes.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of challenges. Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these tasks are not commonly taught in school.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our truthful worths. I have learned throughout my life that in service, there is no other method to do it right however to be honest. While others might take faster ways, the truth always dominates.
Please share with us a current company success story.
Just recently, after assisting a client “go solar” in 2 of her homes, she referred a new customer named Angela to us. Throughout our initial consultation, I noted that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to the house to decrease energy usage, which might provide 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 wished to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. We finished a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and found that her house needed a bigger AC unit, plus additional ducts to disperse the a/c evenly throughout the home. We likewise informed her that the financing partner might add the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she might get approved for a lower interest rate than any other house enhancement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my advice and decided to move forward and was, in fact, able to lower her loan rates of interest.
During the setup, we wound up spending for Angela and her senior mom to remain in a hotel till their inspections and upgrades were complete to ensure they were comfortable throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electricity used in her house. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have decreased their energy intake significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying before setting up solar. This is what we suggest by “client service.”
From a national perspective, how can we improve access to renewable enery?
Many of the homeowners that we go to are fortunate to own a house, yet many of them have not qualified for solar due to several combined or separated aspects such as subprime credit score, lower annual household income, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of readily available loan programs. We require to offer more people with opportunities to embrace sustainable energy with less troubles.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your business?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our growth in this industry, and offering us the opportunity to satisfy others in the exact same boat. Now I know that there is hope for minority little companies in the sustainable energy market.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is very important that we share the same worths and mission to help others, even if it indicates leaving our comfort zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do service, but its worth it in the end for our consumers. If youre willing to start there, we d love to meet to go over possible collaboration chances.
Exists anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances you have actually supplied. I understand this is just the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I anticipate becoming a sponsor to assist pave the method for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my customers and collaborators at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To get more information about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
###

In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. Throughout our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they might only achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes usage rates and shading from trees on the property. We discussed a couple of additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to decrease energy usage, which might supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more cash into the home, however eventually she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioning upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.