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 extensively taught in school. During our preliminary appointment, I noted that they might just achieve 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 home to lower energy intake, which could provide a greater energy offset. Angela initially flinched at the thought of investing more cash into the house, but eventually she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy consumption considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes market leaders and subjects associated with accelerating an equitable and just shift 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 start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always search for opportunities to serve others– be it by providing 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 renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is easy: we desire to make solar simple and inexpensive every step of the method. We mainly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable resource as a lifestyle, helping generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey towards 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 opportunity to sign up with an extremely promising small solar setup business in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority 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 advantages everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would need a lot of assistance to understand how to obtain this benefit for their houses.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our consumers comes with its own set of difficulties. Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By merely measuring up to our honest worths. I have actually found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other way to do it best however to be honest. While others may take shortcuts, the fact always prevails.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
Just recently, after assisting a customer “go solar” in two of her homes, she referred a brand-new customer called Angela to us. Throughout our preliminary visit, I kept in mind that they could only achieve about 56% of solar power balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a few extra energy performance upgrades to the home to lower energy usage, which might provide a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first winced at the thought of investing more cash into the home, however ultimately she called me back and stated she wished 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 discovered that her house needed a larger air conditioner unit, plus extra ducts to disperse the AC evenly throughout your house. We likewise informed her that the financing partner could add the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she could qualify for a lower interest rate than any other house enhancement loan for that air conditioning upgrade. She took my advice and chose to move forward and was, in fact, able to minimize her loan rates of interest.
During the setup, we wound up spending for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel till their upgrades and evaluations were complete to ensure they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electricity utilized in her home. Thanks to the a/c upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy intake significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying before setting up solar. This is what we mean by “customer support.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we enhance access to eco-friendly enery?
Most of the property owners that we go to are fortunate to own a house, yet numerous of them have actually not certified for solar due to a number of combined or isolated factors such as subprime credit score, lower annual home income, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of available loan programs. We require to provide more individuals with opportunities to adopt renewable energy with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your organization?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this market, and offering us the chance to fulfill others in the very same boat. Now I know that there is wish for minority little services in the renewable resource industry.
How can prospective partners do organization with you?
It is necessary that we share the same values and mission to assist others, even if it implies leaving our convenience zones. It might cost a little more for us to do company, however its worth it in the end for our customers. We d like to meet to talk about possible partnership opportunities if youre prepared to begin there.
Exists anything else you wish to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances you have provided. I understand this is just the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I eagerly anticipate becoming a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my consumers and collaborators at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
For more information about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
###