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 site series.
Each installation features industry leaders and subjects related to accelerating a fair and just shift to a sustainable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable energy 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 providing extraordinary customer service, language translations, or just sharing understanding with others. My individual objectives and desire to help others led me to work in the eco-friendly energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is basic: we wish to make solar simple and cost effective every step of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and embrace renewable resource as a way of living, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey towards developing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the opportunity to join a very appealing small solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a concern 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 an absence of care and communication from those that can not relate to our culture. We understood that solar benefits everybody, regardless of race or background, which our people would need a great deal of assistance to comprehend how to obtain this benefit for their homes.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a small business with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of difficulties. Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not widely taught in school.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By merely measuring up to our sincere worths. I have discovered throughout my life that in company, there is no other way to do it best however to be honest. While others might take faster ways, the truth constantly dominates.
Please show us a current business success story.
Recently, after assisting a client “go solar” in two of her homes, she referred a new client named Angela to us. Throughout our initial appointment, I noted 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 went over a couple of additional energy performance upgrades to the home to lower energy intake, which could offer a greater energy offset. Angela initially flinched at the thought of investing more money into the home, but ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. We finished a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and found that her home required a larger A/C system, plus extra ducts to distribute the Air Conditioner uniformly throughout your home. We likewise informed her that the finance partner could add the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she might certify for a lower rates of interest than any other home improvement loan for that A/C upgrade. She took my advice and chose to move on and was, in reality, able to reduce her loan interest rate.
During the installation, we ended up paying for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel till their upgrades and assessments were total to ensure they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical power utilized in her house. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar. This is what we suggest by “customer support.”
From a nationwide perspective, how can we enhance access to sustainable enery?
From my experience, there is a vast space in gain access to. Most of the property owners that we visit are lucky to own a house, yet a lot of them have not gotten approved for solar due to numerous combined or isolated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly home income, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of offered loan programs. These neighborhoods need more assistance and education on the importance of setting up a planetary system that can conserve them cash. We need to supply more individuals with chances to adopt renewable resource with less troubles.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your business?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our growth in this industry, and offering us the chance to fulfill others in the same boat. Now I understand that there is hope for minority small businesses in the renewable energy market.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is crucial that we share the very same worths and objective to assist others, even if it suggests getting out of our comfort zones. It might cost a bit more for us to do company, but its worth it in the end for our clients. We d enjoy to fulfill to discuss possible collaboration chances if youre ready to start there.
Exists anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have actually provided. I understand this is only the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; however, I anticipate ending up being a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my consumers and partners at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the objective!
For more information about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
###

In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not widely taught in school. Throughout our preliminary consultation, I kept in mind that they could just attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the home. We discussed a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the house to reduce energy usage, which could provide a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first flinched at the idea of investing more money into the house, but ultimately she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the Air Conditioning upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy intake greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.