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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not widely taught in school. During our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they might just attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses consumption rates and shading from trees on the property. We talked about a few additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to minimize energy usage, which could supply a higher energy offset. Angela initially 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. Thanks to the A/C upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy consumption considerably, 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 features market leaders and topics connected to speeding up an equitable and simply transition to a renewable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and constantly look for chances to serve others– be it by supplying exceptional customer care, language translations, or simply sharing knowledge 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 larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is basic: we wish to make solar simple and affordable every step of the way. We mainly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace sustainable energy as a way of living, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the chance to sign up with an extremely promising little solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
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 determine with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would require a lot of support to understand how to acquire this benefit for their homes.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
Being a small business with a high level of service expectations for our customers features its own set of challenges. The biggest obstacle we face is shared by a number of small businesses: turnover. In addition, despite the fact that solar power has actually been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. So, we need to invest a lot quantity of time training sales personnel to make certain they are able to provide a high level of client service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By just living up to our truthful worths. I have actually found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it ideal but to be sincere. While others might take faster ways, the reality always prevails.
Please share with us a current business success story.
Recently, after helping a customer “go solar” in two of her homes, she referred a new client called Angela to us. Throughout our preliminary appointment, I kept in mind that they could just attain about 56% of solar power offset due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to your home to lower energy consumption, which could provide a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially winced at the idea of investing more money into the home, however ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and discovered that her house required a bigger Air Conditioning system, plus extra ducts to disperse the Air Conditioning evenly throughout your house. We also told her that the finance partner could include the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she might receive a lower rate of interest than any other house improvement loan for that A/C upgrade. She took my advice and decided to progress and was, in truth, able to decrease her loan interest rate.
Throughout the setup, we wound up spending for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel till their upgrades and inspections were complete to ensure they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical energy used in her home. Thanks to the A/C upgrade, they have lowered their energy usage significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar. This is what we suggest by “customer support.”
From a nationwide viewpoint, how can we enhance access to sustainable enery?
From my experience, there is a huge gap in gain access to. The majority of the homeowners that we visit are fortunate to own a home, yet numerous of them have actually not certified for solar due to a number of combined or separated elements such as subprime credit rating, lower annual household income, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of available loan programs. These neighborhoods require more support and education on the significance of installing a planetary system that can save them cash. We require to supply more people with opportunities to adopt sustainable energy with less inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your service?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our growth in this industry, and providing us the chance to meet others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is wish for minority small companies in the eco-friendly energy market.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is very important that we share the same values and mission to assist others, even if it indicates leaving our comfort zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do service, however its worth it in the end for our customers. We d like to meet to discuss possible collaboration chances if youre ready to start there.
Exists anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have supplied. I know this is just the start, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; nevertheless, I eagerly anticipate becoming a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my customers and collaborators at SUNTEX, since they are the fuel that drives the mission!
For more information about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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