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 essentials of these jobs are not widely taught in school. Throughout our initial visit, I noted that they could just accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes usage rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a couple of extra energy efficiency upgrades to the home to minimize energy intake, which might supply a greater energy offset. Angela at first winced at the thought of investing more money into the home, however eventually she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioning upgrade, they have lowered their energy usage significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the fourth installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and subjects associated with accelerating an equitable and simply shift to a sustainable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are prospering in the sustainable energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always look for opportunities to serve others– be it by offering extraordinary customer support, language translations, or just sharing understanding with others. My personal objectives and desire to help 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 companys objective is basic: we wish to make solar simple and cost effective every action of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable resource as a way of living, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the chance to join a really appealing small solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community. As an outcome, my partner and I integrated his experience in offering to the Hispanic market with my customer care competence to develop SUNTEX where “the consumer is the reason we exist as a business”. Our focus is connecting the Hispanic community and our consumers with excellent consumer service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic community a concern for SUNTEX?
Top: it remains in our blood. My organization partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can identify well with our people and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced an absence of care and communication from those that can not relate to our culture. We understood that solar benefits everybody, no matter race or background, and that our individuals would require a lot of support to comprehend how to get this advantage for their houses.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
Being a small business with a high level of service expectations for our clients comes with its own set of obstacles. Additionally, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By merely measuring up to our sincere worths. I have actually discovered throughout my life that in business, there is no other method to do it right however to be honest. While others may take faster ways, the fact always dominates.
Please show us a recent business success story.
Recently, after assisting a customer “go solar” in 2 of her homes, she referred a new customer named Angela to us. During our preliminary consultation, I noted that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We talked about a few additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the house to lower energy consumption, which might supply a higher energy offset. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more money into the house, but eventually she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and found that her house required a bigger air conditioning system, plus additional ducts to distribute the a/c equally throughout your house. We likewise told her that the finance partner might include the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she might receive a lower rate of interest than any other home enhancement loan for that air conditioning upgrade. She took my advice and chose to move on and was, in fact, able to decrease her loan rate of interest.
Throughout the setup, we wound up spending for Angela and her elderly mother to stay in a hotel until their upgrades and inspections were complete to guarantee they were comfortable 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 minimized their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying before setting up solar. This is what we suggest by “consumer service.”
From a nationwide point of view, how can we improve access to renewable enery?
From my experience, there is a large space in access. The majority of the property owners that we check out are lucky to own a home, yet much of them have actually not received solar due to numerous combined or isolated aspects such as subprime credit report, lower yearly home earnings, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of offered loan programs. These communities need more support and education on the importance of setting up a planetary system that can conserve them cash. 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 market, and offering us the opportunity to satisfy others in the exact same boat. Now I know that there is hope for minority small businesses in the renewable resource market.
How can prospective partners do service with you?
It is necessary that we share the very same worths and objective to help others, even if it indicates leaving our comfort zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do organization, however its worth it in the end for our consumers. If youre ready to begin there, we d love to meet to discuss possible cooperation opportunities.
Is there anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have actually provided. I know this is just the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I anticipate 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 consumers and collaborators at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To get more information about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
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