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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not widely taught in school. Throughout our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they could only achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to the home to minimize energy usage, which could supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first flinched at the thought of investing more money into the house, however eventually 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 intake considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the fourth installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features market leaders and subjects related to accelerating an equitable and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always try to find chances to serve others– be it by offering extraordinary client service, language translations, or merely sharing understanding with others. My individual objectives and desire to assist others led me to operate in the renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is basic: we want to make solar easy and economical every action of the way. We mainly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and embrace renewable resource as a lifestyle, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the chance to join an extremely appealing little solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community. As a result, my partner and I integrated his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my consumer service know-how to develop SUNTEX where “the customer is the factor we exist as a business”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic community and our clients with excellent client service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic community a priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced a lack of care and communication from those that can not recognize with our culture. We knew that solar benefits 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 homes.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of obstacles. The biggest challenge we face is shared by a number of little businesses: turnover. Additionally, despite the fact that solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. So, we need to spend a lot quantity of time training sales personnel to ensure they are able to provide a high level of client service.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By just living up to our truthful worths. I have found out throughout my life that in service, there is no other method to do it best but to be truthful. While others may take shortcuts, the fact always prevails.
Please show us a recent business success story.
Just recently, after helping a client “go solar” in two of her houses, she referred a brand-new client named Angela to us. Throughout our preliminary visit, I noted that they could only attain about 56% of solar power offset due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a few extra energy efficiency upgrades to your home to minimize energy intake, which might supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first flinched at the thought of investing more cash into the house, however eventually she called me back and stated she wanted to progress with the solar and energy performance upgrades. We finished a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and discovered that her house required a larger air conditioner unit, plus additional ducts to distribute the air conditioner equally throughout your home. We likewise told her that the financing partner might include the expense 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 air conditioning upgrade. She took my advice and chose to move forward and was, in reality, able to decrease her loan rates of interest.
During the installation, we wound up paying for Angela and her elderly mother to stay 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 electrical energy used in her house. Thanks to the a/c upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy intake significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar. This is what we suggest by “client service.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
Most of the house owners that we go to are fortunate to own a house, yet many of them have actually not certified for solar due to a number of combined or isolated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly household earnings, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of readily available loan programs. We need to supply more people with chances to adopt sustainable energy with less troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your organization?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our development in this market, and offering us the chance to meet others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small services in the renewable resource industry.
How can prospective partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the exact same values and mission to help others, even if it indicates leaving our comfort zones. It might cost a bit more for us to do business, however its worth it in the end for our clients. We d love to fulfill to go over possible collaboration opportunities if youre prepared to start there.
Is there anything else you wish to show ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances you have offered. I know this is just the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; nevertheless, I eagerly anticipate ending up being a sponsor to help pave the method for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my clients and partners at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To find out more about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
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