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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 4th installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features industry leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always try to find chances to serve others– be it by offering exceptional customer service, language translations, or merely 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 larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss mission is easy: we desire to make solar easy and economical every action of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt eco-friendly energy as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my service partner and I had the opportunity to sign up with a really promising little solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood. As a result, my partner and I combined his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my client service competence to create SUNTEX where “the consumer is the reason we exist as a business”. Our focus is connecting the Hispanic neighborhood and our customers with exceptional client service.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a top priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our people would need a lot of assistance to understand how to get 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 customers comes with its own set of difficulties. Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not widely taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our truthful values. I have actually found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other way to do it right however to be truthful. While others might take shortcuts, the truth constantly dominates.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
Recently, after assisting a customer “go solar” in 2 of her houses, she referred a new customer called Angela to us. Throughout our initial visit, I noted that they could only achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of additional energy efficiency upgrades to your house to lower energy usage, which could provide a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more money into the house, however eventually she called me back and stated she wished to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and found that her house required a larger Air Conditioner unit, plus additional ducts to disperse the Air Conditioner uniformly throughout the home. We likewise informed her that the financing partner could add the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she might receive a lower rates of interest than any other home improvement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my advice and chose to move on and was, in truth, able to lower her loan interest rate.
Throughout the setup, we wound up spending for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel till their upgrades and inspections were complete to ensure they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical power utilized in her home. Thanks to the A/C upgrade, they have reduced their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we indicate by “customer support.”
From a national point of view, how can we improve access to sustainable enery?
Most of the property owners that we go to are lucky to own a house, yet many of them have actually not qualified for solar due to several combined or isolated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly family earnings, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of available loan programs. We need to offer more individuals with opportunities to embrace renewable energy with less inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your organization?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this industry, and giving us the opportunity to satisfy others in the very same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small services in the renewable resource market.
How can prospective partners do business with you?
It is necessary that we share the very same worths and objective to help others, even if it means leaving our comfort zones. It may cost a little bit more for us to do company, however its worth it in the end for our consumers. We d enjoy to meet to go over possible cooperation opportunities if youre willing to start there.
Exists anything else you would like to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have offered. I know this is just the start, 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 collaborators at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To find out more about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
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In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. Throughout our initial visit, I kept in mind that they could only attain 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 extra energy performance upgrades to the house to reduce energy consumption, which could offer a greater energy offset. Angela at first cringed at the idea of investing more cash into the house, however eventually she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy usage significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar.