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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the fourth installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features industry leaders and subjects connected to accelerating an equitable and just transition to a sustainable energy economy. In recognition 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 constantly set high expectations for myself and constantly try to find chances to serve others– be it by supplying remarkable customer care, language translations, or simply sharing understanding with others. My personal objectives and desire to assist others led me to operate in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is easy: we wish to make solar easy and affordable every action of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and adopt renewable resource as a way of life, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the chance to join an extremely promising small solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is concentrating 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 determine 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 get this benefit for their houses.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our clients includes its own set of obstacles. The biggest difficulty we face is shared by a number of little organizations: turnover. In addition, even though solar power has actually been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. We have to spend a lot quantity of time training sales staff to make sure they are able to provide a high level of customer service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our sincere worths. I have found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other way to do it right but to be sincere. While others may take shortcuts, the reality constantly dominates.
Please show us a current company success story.
During our initial appointment, I noted that they could only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a couple of extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the house to decrease energy intake, which could provide a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first cringed at the idea of investing more cash into the house, but ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades.
During the setup, we wound up paying for Angela and her elderly mother to stay in a hotel till their upgrades and assessments were complete to ensure they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical power utilized in her house. Thanks to the A/C upgrade, they have actually decreased their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we indicate by “customer support.”
From a national perspective, how can we improve access to renewable enery?
From my experience, there is a large gap in gain access to. The majority of the house owners that we visit are fortunate to own a home, yet many of them have not certified for solar due to a number of combined or separated elements such as subprime credit report, lower annual household earnings, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of offered loan programs. These neighborhoods need more assistance and education on the importance of setting up a solar system that can save them money. We require to provide more individuals with opportunities to adopt renewable resource with less inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your company?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our growth in this industry, and giving us the chance to meet others in the very same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small companies in the renewable resource industry.
How can possible partners do company with you?
It is essential that we share the exact same values and mission to assist others, even if it indicates getting out of our comfort zones. It might cost a bit more for us to do business, but its worth it in the end for our customers. If youre prepared to start there, we d love to satisfy to talk about possible cooperation opportunities.
Exists anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the opportunities you have offered. I understand this is only the beginning, and we have a long roadway 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 a special thanks to all of my customers and partners 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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In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not widely taught in school. During our initial appointment, I kept in mind that they might just attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We talked about a few additional energy performance upgrades to the home to lower energy consumption, which could offer a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first cringed at the thought of investing more cash into the house, but ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have lowered their energy consumption significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.