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 site series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics related to accelerating a fair and simply transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features 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 constantly try to find chances to serve others– be it by offering remarkable client service, language translations, or simply sharing knowledge with others. My individual objectives 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 companys objective is simple: we wish to make solar simple and budget friendly every step of the way. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable energy as a method of life, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my service partner and I had the chance to join a very promising small solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Top: it remains in our blood. My business partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can determine well with our individuals and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and communication from those that can not relate to our culture. We knew that solar advantages everybody, regardless of race or background, which our people would need a great deal of assistance to comprehend how to acquire this benefit for their homes.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our consumers comes with its own set of obstacles. In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not commonly taught in school.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our sincere values. I have discovered throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it right but to be truthful. While others might take shortcuts, the truth constantly prevails.
Please show us a recent company success story.
Just recently, after assisting a customer “go solar” in 2 of her houses, she referred a brand-new client called Angela to us. During our preliminary consultation, I kept in mind that they could just attain about 56% of solar power offset due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the property. We talked about a couple of additional energy effectiveness upgrades to your home to lower energy usage, which might supply a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially winced at the thought of investing more money into the home, however eventually she called me back and stated she wished to progress with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and found that her home required a bigger a/c unit, plus extra ducts to distribute the air conditioner equally throughout the home. We also informed her that the financing partner could include the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she could receive a lower interest rate than any other house enhancement loan for that a/c upgrade. She took my guidance and chose to move on and was, in fact, able to minimize her loan rate of interest.
Throughout the setup, we wound up paying for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel till their upgrades and examinations were total to guarantee they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical energy used in her home. Thanks to the air conditioner upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy intake greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we mean by “client service.”
From a national 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 property owners that we go to are lucky to own a house, yet a number of them have actually not gotten approved for solar due to numerous combined or separated factors such as subprime credit score, lower yearly home earnings, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of readily available loan programs. These communities require more assistance and education on the value of setting up a solar system that can conserve them money. We require to provide more individuals with chances to embrace renewable resource with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your service?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our growth in this market, and giving us the opportunity to meet others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small organizations in the sustainable energy industry.
How can potential partners do company with you?
It is essential that we share the very same values and objective to assist others, even if it indicates leaving our comfort zones. It might cost a little more for us to do service, but its worth it in the end for our consumers. If youre ready to begin there, we d love to fulfill to discuss possible cooperation opportunities.
Is there anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances you have actually provided. I know this is just the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I anticipate becoming a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my customers and partners at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To get more information about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not widely taught in school. During our preliminary visit, I kept in mind that they might just attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a few extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the house to minimize energy usage, which could provide a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more money into the house, however ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy consumption significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.