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 fourth installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation features industry leaders and topics connected to speeding up a fair and simply transition to a renewable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always look for opportunities to serve others– be it by providing exceptional client service, language translations, or simply sharing understanding with others. My individual goals and desire to assist others led me to operate in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss mission is basic: we desire to make solar simple and budget friendly every action of the way. We mainly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt renewable energy as a way of living, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the opportunity to join a really promising little solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood. As a result, my partner and I integrated his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my customer service know-how to create SUNTEX where “the client is the factor we exist as a company”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic neighborhood and our customers with excellent customer support.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic community a top priority for SUNTEX?
Number One: it remains in our blood. My company partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can recognize well with our people and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have actually personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not determine with our culture. We understood that solar benefits everybody, no matter race or background, which our people would require a great deal of assistance to understand how to acquire this advantage for their homes.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a small business with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of obstacles. In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By just measuring up to our truthful values. I have actually found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it ideal but to be honest. While others may take shortcuts, the truth always prevails.
Please show us a recent company success story.
Throughout our initial appointment, I kept in mind that they could just attain about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of additional energy performance upgrades to the home to decrease energy consumption, which could provide a higher energy offset. Angela initially flinched at the thought of investing more money into the home, but eventually she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades.
Throughout the setup, we wound up paying for Angela and her senior mom to remain in a hotel until their assessments and upgrades were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical energy used in her home. Thanks to the Air Conditioning upgrade, they have decreased their energy usage significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar. This is what we indicate by “customer support.”
From a national point of view, how can we improve access to sustainable enery?
From my experience, there is a vast space in access. The majority of the property owners that we go to are lucky to own a home, yet many of them have actually not received solar due to numerous combined or separated aspects such as subprime credit history, lower yearly household income, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of available loan programs. These communities require more support and education on the importance of setting up a planetary system that can save them money. We need to offer more individuals with chances to embrace eco-friendly energy with fewer inconveniences.
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 same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority little organizations in the renewable energy industry.
How can potential partners do organization with you?
It is essential that we share the very same worths and mission to assist others, even if it indicates leaving our convenience zones. It may cost a little more for us to do organization, however its worth it in the end for our consumers. If youre ready to start there, we d love to fulfill to talk about possible cooperation 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 opportunities you have supplied. I understand this is just the start, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I eagerly anticipate becoming a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my customers and collaborators at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To get more information about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
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Additionally, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these tasks are not extensively taught in school. Throughout our initial consultation, I noted that they might just accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the property. We discussed a couple of additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to minimize energy usage, which might supply a greater energy offset. Angela at first flinched at the thought of investing more money into the house, however eventually she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the A/C upgrade, they have minimized their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.