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 installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment 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 functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and constantly search for opportunities to serve others– be it by offering remarkable customer support, language translations, or merely sharing knowledge with others. My personal goals and desire to help 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 easy: we wish to make solar simple and inexpensive every action of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt renewable energy as a way of living, helping generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the opportunity to sign up with a really appealing little solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity available 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 customer service expertise to create SUNTEX where “the customer is the reason we exist as a company”. Our focus is connecting the Hispanic neighborhood and our clients with excellent customer service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a top priority for SUNTEX?
Number One: it is in our blood. My service partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can determine well with our people and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everyone, regardless of race or background, which our people would need a lot of support to comprehend how to get this advantage for their houses.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a little business with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of challenges. In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not widely taught in school.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By just living up to our honest values. I have actually learned throughout my life that in organization, there is no other way to do it ideal however to be honest. While others may take faster ways, the reality always dominates.
Please show us a current company success story.
During our preliminary consultation, I kept in mind that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We discussed a couple of extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the house to decrease energy consumption, which could provide a greater energy offset. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more cash into the house, but ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades.
Throughout the installation, we wound up paying for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel until their evaluations and upgrades were complete to ensure they were comfortable throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical power utilized in her home. Thanks to the air conditioner upgrade, they have reduced their energy consumption considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying before setting up solar. This is what we suggest by “customer support.”
From a nationwide perspective, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a large gap in gain access to. Many of the homeowners that we go to are fortunate to own a house, yet a number of them have not gotten approved for solar due to several combined or separated aspects such as subprime credit report, lower yearly family income, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of available loan programs. These neighborhoods need more assistance and education on the importance of installing a planetary system that can conserve them money. We require to provide more people with chances to adopt eco-friendly energy with fewer hassles.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your service?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this industry, and providing us the chance to fulfill others in the same boat. Now I understand that there is hope for minority little companies in the renewable resource industry.
How can potential partners work with you?
It is crucial that we share the exact same worths and objective to assist others, even if it indicates leaving our comfort zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do business, however its worth it in the end for our customers. If youre willing to start there, we d enjoy to meet to talk about possible collaboration opportunities.
Exists anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have actually supplied. I understand this is just the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I anticipate ending up being a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my clients and collaborators at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To get more information about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. During our initial consultation, I noted that they might only attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the property. We discussed a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to the home to decrease energy intake, which could provide a greater energy offset. Angela at first flinched at the idea of investing more cash into the home, however eventually she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy performance 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 installing solar.