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 speeding up 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 eco-friendly energy sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always look for chances to serve others– be it by offering exceptional customer support, language translations, or simply sharing understanding with others. My individual goals and desire to assist others led me to work in the renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is simple: we desire to make solar easy and cost effective every step of the way. We mostly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable energy as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my service partner and I had the opportunity to sign up with an extremely promising little solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a concern for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not recognize with our culture. We knew that solar benefits everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would need a lot of support to understand how to get 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 includes its own set of obstacles. Nevertheless, the best obstacle we face is shared by a number of little businesses: turnover. Additionally, despite the fact that solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not widely taught in school. We have to invest a lot quantity of time training sales staff to make sure they are able to supply a high level of customer service.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our truthful worths. I have actually found out throughout my life that in service, there is no other method to do it best however to be truthful. While others might take faster ways, the reality always prevails.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
Recently, after helping a client “go solar” in 2 of her homes, she referred a new customer called Angela to us. Throughout our preliminary consultation, I noted that they could just accomplish about 56% of solar power balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We went over a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to your home to decrease energy consumption, which might provide a higher energy offset. Angela at first winced at the thought of investing more money into the house, however eventually she called me back and said she desired to move on with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and found that her house required a bigger air conditioner unit, plus extra ducts to distribute the a/c evenly throughout your house. We likewise told her that the finance partner could add the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she could receive a lower rates of interest than any other home enhancement loan for that air conditioning upgrade. She took my suggestions and chose to move forward and was, in truth, able to reduce her loan rates of interest.
Throughout the installation, we ended up paying for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel until their upgrades and assessments were total to ensure they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical power used in her home. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have minimized their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar. This is what we imply by “client service.”
From a national perspective, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
Many of the homeowners that we go to are fortunate to own a home, yet many of them have actually not certified for solar due to several combined or isolated elements such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly home income, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of readily available loan programs. We require to offer more individuals with opportunities to adopt sustainable energy with fewer inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate subscription assisted your organization?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our development in this market, and offering us the opportunity to satisfy others in the same boat. Now I understand that there is hope for minority small services in the renewable resource market.
How can prospective partners work with you?
It is important that we share the very same values and objective to assist others, even if it means leaving our comfort zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do organization, but its worth it in the end for our clients. We d like to fulfill to discuss possible collaboration opportunities if youre prepared to begin there.
Exists anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances you have actually provided. I know this is only the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I look forward to ending up being a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my clients and partners at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To find out more about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. Throughout our preliminary consultation, I noted that they might just accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a few extra energy efficiency upgrades to the house to decrease energy intake, which could offer a higher energy offset. Angela initially winced at the idea of investing more money into the home, but eventually she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy usage greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.