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 commonly taught in school. During our preliminary consultation, I kept in mind that they could only attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the property. We discussed a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to the home to decrease energy consumption, which might supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched 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 effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the A/C upgrade, they have reduced their energy usage greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes market leaders and subjects 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 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies 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 search for opportunities to serve others– be it by providing exceptional client service, language translations, or just sharing knowledge with others. My personal goals and desire to assist others led me to operate in the sustainable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is basic: we wish to make solar easy and budget-friendly every action of the way. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers understand and adopt sustainable energy as a way of life, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing 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 sign up with a very appealing small solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community. As an outcome, my partner and I integrated his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my customer service competence to develop SUNTEX where “the customer is the reason we exist as a company”. Our focus is connecting the Hispanic community and our consumers with outstanding client service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic community a top priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not identify with our culture. We knew that solar advantages everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our people would need a lot of assistance to understand how to acquire this benefit for their houses.
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 difficulties. In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not commonly taught in school.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By just measuring up to our truthful worths. I have actually discovered throughout my life that in service, there is no other method to do it right however to be sincere. While others may take shortcuts, the truth always dominates.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
Just recently, after helping a customer “go solar” in two of her homes, she referred a brand-new customer named Angela to us. Throughout our initial appointment, I noted that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a couple of extra energy effectiveness upgrades to your house to lower energy usage, which could provide a greater energy offset. Angela at first cringed at the idea of investing more cash into the home, but ultimately she called me back and stated she wished to progress with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and discovered that her home required a bigger Air Conditioner system, plus extra ducts to distribute the Air Conditioner equally throughout your home. We likewise told her that the financing partner might include the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she could get approved for a lower interest rate than any other home improvement loan for that AC upgrade. She took my suggestions and chose to move on and was, in reality, able to decrease her loan rate of interest.
During the setup, we wound up paying for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel up until their upgrades and assessments were complete to guarantee they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electricity utilized in her home. Thanks to the A/C upgrade, they have reduced their energy intake greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar. This is what we mean by “customer care.”
From a national perspective, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a huge space in gain access to. Most of the house owners that we check out are fortunate to own a house, yet numerous of them have actually not certified for solar due to numerous combined or separated elements such as subprime credit history, lower annual family income, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of readily available loan programs. These communities need more assistance and education on the importance of installing a solar system that can save them money. We require to offer more individuals with chances to adopt renewable resource with fewer hassles.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your business?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this industry, and providing us the chance to fulfill others in the very same boat. Now I understand that there is wish for minority small businesses in the sustainable energy industry.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the same values and objective to assist others, even if it implies leaving our convenience zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do service, but its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre ready to begin there, we d like to fulfill to talk about possible partnership opportunities.
Exists anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances you have offered. I understand this is just the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I look forward to ending up being a sponsor to help pave the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my customers and collaborators at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
For more information about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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