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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the essentials of these tasks are not widely taught in school. During our preliminary consultation, I noted that they could just accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We went over a couple of additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the house to reduce energy consumption, which could supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially winced at the idea of investing more money into the house, however eventually she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the A/C upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy usage greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the fourth installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are thriving 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 constantly search for opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying extraordinary client service, language translations, or just sharing knowledge with others. My personal goals and desire to assist others led me to work in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys mission is easy: we wish to make solar simple and affordable every action of the way. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt renewable resource as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the opportunity to join a very appealing small solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Primary: it is in our blood. My business partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can identify well with our people and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and interaction from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar benefits everyone, despite race or background, and that our individuals would need a great deal of support to understand how to obtain this benefit for their homes.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our clients comes with its own set of obstacles. The greatest obstacle we face is shared by a number of little companies: turnover. In addition, even though solar power has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not extensively taught in school. So, we have to invest a lot quantity of time training sales staff to make certain they are able to provide a high level of customer service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By just living up to our honest worths. I have learned throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it right but to be sincere. While others might take faster ways, the reality constantly dominates.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
Recently, after assisting a client “go solar” in 2 of her houses, she referred a new customer named Angela to us. Throughout our preliminary visit, I kept in mind that they could only accomplish about 56% of solar power offset due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to your house to lower energy intake, which could provide a greater energy offset. Angela at first winced at the thought of investing more money into the house, however ultimately she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. We finished a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and found that her house needed a larger A/C system, plus additional ducts to disperse the AC uniformly throughout your home. We also informed her that the financing partner might add the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she might qualify for a lower rate of interest than any other house enhancement loan for that Air Conditioner upgrade. She took my suggestions and chose to progress and was, in truth, able to minimize her loan rates of interest.
During the installation, we wound up spending for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel until their inspections and upgrades were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical power used in her home. Thanks to the Air Conditioner upgrade, they have minimized their energy consumption considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar. This is what we indicate by “client service.”
From a national perspective, how can we enhance access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a vast space in gain access to. Most of the homeowners that we visit are fortunate to own a home, yet a number of them have actually not received solar due to several combined or separated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower annual household income, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of readily available loan programs. These communities need more support and education on the significance of installing a planetary system that can conserve them money. We require to supply more people with chances to embrace renewable energy with less troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your organization?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our development in this industry, and giving us the opportunity to fulfill others in the very same boat. Now I understand that there is hope for minority small businesses in the renewable resource market.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the very same worths and objective to help others, even if it implies getting out of our convenience zones. It might cost a bit more for us to do business, but its worth it in the end for our consumers. If youre willing to start there, we d enjoy to fulfill to talk about possible collaboration chances.
Exists anything else you would like 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 only the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; however, I eagerly anticipate ending up being a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my consumers and collaborators at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To get more information about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
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