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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. Throughout our preliminary visit, I kept in mind that they might just accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We talked about a few additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to lower energy intake, which might provide a higher energy balanced out. Angela at first flinched at the thought of investing more money into the home, however ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioner upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy usage 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 delighted to share the 4th installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up a fair and just 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 growing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always search for chances to serve others– be it by providing extraordinary customer service, language translations, or simply sharing knowledge with others. My individual objectives and desire to help others led me to operate in the renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is basic: we wish to make solar easy and budget-friendly every action of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable resource as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the chance to sign up with a very promising little solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community. As a result, my partner and I combined his experience in offering to the Hispanic market with my customer support know-how to develop SUNTEX where “the customer is the factor we exist as a company”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic community and our customers with outstanding customer support.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic community a priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and communication from those that can not identify with our culture. We knew that solar advantages everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would require a lot of assistance to comprehend how to obtain this advantage for their houses.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our customers features its own set of difficulties. The biggest difficulty we face is shared by a number of small services: turnover. Additionally, despite the fact that solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. So, we need to spend a lot quantity of time training sales personnel to make certain they have the ability to provide a high level of customer care.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By merely measuring up to our honest worths. I have learned throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it ideal however to be truthful. While others may take shortcuts, the reality always prevails.
Please show us a recent business success story.
Recently, after assisting a customer “go solar” in two of her houses, she referred a brand-new client named Angela to us. Throughout our initial consultation, I noted that they could just achieve about 56% of solar power balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We discussed a few additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to lower energy consumption, which could supply a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the idea of investing more money into the home, however eventually she called me back and stated she wished to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. We finished a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and discovered that her home required a larger a/c unit, plus additional ducts to distribute the a/c uniformly throughout your house. We also informed her that the finance partner might add the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she could get approved for a lower interest rate than any other house improvement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my advice and decided to move forward and was, in fact, able to reduce her loan rate of interest.
Throughout the setup, we wound up paying for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel until their upgrades and assessments were total to guarantee they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electricity used in her home. Thanks to the air conditioner upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy consumption considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar. This is what we mean by “customer care.”
From a nationwide perspective, how can we enhance access to sustainable enery?
Many of the property owners that we check out are lucky to own a home, yet many of them have actually not qualified for solar due to several combined or separated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly home earnings, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of offered loan programs. We need to offer more people with chances to embrace eco-friendly energy with less hassles.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your organization?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this market, and offering us the chance to satisfy others in the very same boat. Now I know that there is expect minority little companies in the renewable energy market.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is very important that we share the exact same values and mission to assist others, even if it implies leaving our comfort zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do organization, but its worth it in the end for our consumers. If youre willing to start there, we d enjoy to meet to go over possible cooperation chances.
Is there anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely 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; nevertheless, I eagerly anticipate becoming 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, because they are the fuel that drives the mission!
For more information about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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