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 series.
Each installation features industry leaders and subjects associated with speeding up an equitable and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing 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 try to find opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying exceptional customer support, language translations, or simply sharing knowledge with others. My individual objectives and desire to help others led me to work in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is easy: we desire to make solar easy and economical every step of the way. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and adopt sustainable energy as a way of living, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey towards developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the opportunity to join a very promising small solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Top: it is in our blood. My business partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can identify well with our individuals and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not relate to our culture. We understood that solar benefits everyone, despite race or background, which our people would require a great deal of support to comprehend how to acquire this benefit for their homes.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of challenges. However, the greatest challenge we face is shared by a number of small services: turnover. Additionally, although solar power has been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not widely taught in school. So, we need to spend a lot quantity of time training sales personnel to make certain they are able to provide a high level of consumer service.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By just measuring up to our truthful worths. I have actually found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it right however to be sincere. While others may take faster ways, the truth always prevails.
Please share with us a current company success story.
Just recently, after helping a client “go solar” in 2 of her houses, she referred a brand-new customer named Angela to us. During our initial appointment, I noted that they might just attain about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to your house to lower energy usage, which could provide a higher energy offset. Angela initially winced at the idea of investing more money into the home, but ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to progress with the solar and energy performance upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and discovered that her home required a bigger air conditioning system, plus additional ducts to distribute the air conditioning uniformly throughout your house. We likewise told her that the finance partner could include the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she might certify for a lower rate of interest than any other house improvement loan for that a/c upgrade. She took my guidance and chose to move on and was, in reality, able to decrease her loan interest rate.
Throughout the installation, we ended up paying for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel till their inspections and upgrades were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical power utilized in her home. Thanks to the a/c 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 prior to setting up solar. This is what we suggest by “client service.”
From a nationwide viewpoint, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
From my experience, there is a large gap in access. The majority of the property owners that we check out are fortunate to own a home, yet numerous of them have actually not received solar due to several combined or separated elements such as subprime credit history, lower annual family earnings, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of readily available loan programs. These communities require more support and education on the significance of installing a planetary system that can save them money. We need to offer more people with chances to embrace sustainable energy with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your service?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this market, and offering us the opportunity to meet others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority little companies in the renewable energy industry.
How can potential partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the same worths and objective to help others, even if it suggests getting out of our convenience zones. It might cost a bit more for us to do organization, but its worth it in the end for our customers. We d like to satisfy to discuss possible collaboration opportunities if youre ready to start there.
Exists anything else you wish to share with 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 beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I look forward to becoming a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my customers and partners at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the mission!
For 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 essentials of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. During our preliminary visit, I noted that they could just attain about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to the house to reduce energy intake, which could provide a higher energy offset. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more money into the house, however ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have 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.