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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 4th installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes market leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable and just 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 resource sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and constantly look for chances to serve others– be it by providing remarkable client service, language translations, or merely sharing knowledge with others. My personal objectives and desire to help others led me to operate in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is simple: we wish to make solar simple and cost effective every action of the way. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt renewable resource as a method of life, helping generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey towards developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” 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 very promising small solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Number One: it remains in our blood. My organization partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can identify well with our people and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have actually personally experienced a lack of care and communication from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar benefits everybody, regardless of race or background, which our people would require a lot of assistance to understand how to obtain this advantage for their houses.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our consumers comes with its own set of difficulties. In addition, 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 sincere values. I have learned throughout my life that in organization, there is no other way to do it ideal but to be sincere. While others might take shortcuts, the reality constantly prevails.
Please show us a recent company success story.
Throughout our preliminary visit, I kept in mind that they might just attain 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 additional energy performance upgrades to the house to decrease energy consumption, which might supply a higher energy balanced out. Angela at first winced at the idea of investing more money into the house, but eventually she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
During the setup, we ended up paying for Angela and her senior mom to remain in a hotel till their evaluations and upgrades were complete to guarantee they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical power used in her home. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar. This is what we mean by “client service.”
From a national perspective, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
From my experience, there is a vast space in gain access to. Many of the house owners that we visit are fortunate to own a home, yet a lot of them have not received solar due to several combined or isolated factors such as subprime credit history, lower yearly home earnings, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of offered loan programs. These neighborhoods need more support and education on the significance of installing a planetary system that can conserve them money. We require to offer more people with opportunities to embrace eco-friendly energy with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your organization?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our growth in this market, and providing us the opportunity to fulfill others in the very same boat. Now I know that there is wish for minority small organizations in the sustainable energy market.
How can possible partners do service 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, but its worth it in the end for our consumers. We d like to fulfill to talk about possible collaboration opportunities if youre ready to start there.
Is there anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the opportunities you have offered. I understand this is only the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; however, I look forward to ending up being a sponsor to help pave the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my clients and partners at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To discover more about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. Throughout our initial appointment, I noted that they might only achieve about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes usage rates and shading from trees on the property. We discussed a couple of additional energy efficiency upgrades to the house to decrease energy consumption, which might offer a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially 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 performance upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioner upgrade, they have reduced their energy intake significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar.