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 fourth installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features market leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 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 constantly search for chances to serve others– be it by providing remarkable customer service, language translations, or merely sharing understanding with others. My personal goals and desire to help others led me to operate in the renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss mission is simple: we wish to make solar simple and economical every action of the method. We mainly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and adopt renewable energy as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the chance to join a very promising small solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a top priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced an absence of care and communication from those that can not determine with our culture. We knew that solar benefits everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our people would require a lot of support to comprehend how to obtain this advantage for their houses.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
Being a small business with a high level of service expectations for our consumers comes with its own set of difficulties. The biggest obstacle we deal with is shared by a number of small organizations: turnover. Furthermore, even though solar power has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. So, we have to spend a lot quantity of time training sales personnel to make sure they have the ability to supply a high level of consumer service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By just measuring up to our truthful worths. I have learned throughout my life that in organization, there is no other way to do it best however to be sincere. While others might take shortcuts, the truth constantly prevails.
Please share with us a current company success story.
During our preliminary visit, I kept in mind that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We discussed a couple of additional energy efficiency upgrades to the house to lower energy consumption, which might provide a greater energy offset. Angela initially cringed at the idea of investing more cash into the house, however ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades.
Throughout the setup, we wound up spending for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel up until their upgrades and inspections were complete to ensure they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical energy used in her home. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have reduced their energy usage significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar. This is what we indicate by “customer care.”
From a nationwide viewpoint, how can we enhance access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a vast space in gain access to. The majority of the homeowners that we check out are lucky to own a house, yet a number of them have not received solar due to a number of combined or isolated aspects such as subprime credit history, lower annual household income, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of available loan programs. These communities require more assistance and education on the importance of setting up a solar system that can conserve them money. We require to supply more people with opportunities to embrace renewable resource with less troubles.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your business?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our growth in this market, and offering us the chance to fulfill others in the very same boat. Now I understand that there is wish for minority small companies in the sustainable energy industry.
How can potential partners do service with you?
It is important that we share the exact same values and objective to assist others, even if it implies leaving our comfort zones. It might cost a little more for us to do business, but its worth it in the end for our clients. We d like to satisfy to go over possible cooperation opportunities if youre ready to start there.
Is there anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have provided. I know this is just the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I eagerly anticipate ending up being a sponsor to assist pave the method for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my customers and partners at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To read more about SUNTEX, see https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. During our preliminary visit, I kept in mind that they might only attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of additional energy performance upgrades to the house to decrease energy consumption, which might provide a higher energy offset. Angela at first winced at the idea of investing more cash into the home, however eventually 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 lowered their energy consumption significantly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.