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 tasks are not extensively taught in school. Throughout our initial appointment, I kept in mind that they could only attain about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We went over a few extra energy efficiency upgrades to the house to reduce energy intake, which could supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more money into the house, but ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioner upgrade, they have actually decreased their energy usage greatly, 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 pleased to share the 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up a fair and just 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 sustainable energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and constantly 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 assist 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 mission is simple: we wish to make solar easy and affordable every step of the method. We mostly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable resource 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 concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the chance to join a really promising small solar installation company 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 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 require a lot of support to understand how to get this advantage for their homes.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
Being a small business with a high level of service expectations for our customers includes its own set of obstacles. However, the best obstacle we face is shared by a number of small companies: turnover. In addition, although solar power has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not extensively 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 client service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our truthful values. I have learned throughout my life that in service, there is no other way to do it right but to be honest. While others might take shortcuts, the truth always prevails.
Please show us a recent company success story.
Throughout our preliminary appointment, I kept in mind that they might just attain about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We discussed a few extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to reduce energy intake, which might offer 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 wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades.
Throughout the setup, we wound up spending for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel till their evaluations and upgrades were complete to ensure they were comfortable throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electricity used in her home. Thanks to the air conditioner 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 prior to installing solar. This is what we imply by “customer care.”
From a nationwide point of view, how can we enhance access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a vast gap in access. Many of the property owners that we visit are fortunate to own a home, yet a lot of them have actually not certified for solar due to several combined or isolated elements such as subprime credit score, lower annual home earnings, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of available loan programs. These communities need more assistance and education on the value of installing a planetary system that can conserve them cash. We need to offer more people with opportunities to embrace renewable energy with less hassles.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your business?
By empowering us to believe that there is somebody there to support our development in this industry, and offering us the opportunity to meet others in the same boat. Now I know that there is hope for minority small companies in the eco-friendly energy industry.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is very important that we share the same values and objective to assist others, even if it suggests getting out of our comfort zones. It might cost a bit more for us to do organization, however its worth it in the end for our customers. If youre prepared to begin there, we d like to fulfill to go over possible cooperation opportunities.
Is there anything else you would like to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have provided. I know this is only the beginning, and we have a long road ahead of us; however, I look forward to becoming 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, since they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To read more about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
###