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 installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features market leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are thriving in the renewable energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always search for opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying exceptional customer support, language translations, or merely sharing knowledge with others. My individual objectives and desire to help others led me to work in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss mission is simple: we want to make solar easy and budget friendly every action of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt sustainable energy as a lifestyle, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the chance to sign up with a really promising small solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a concern for SUNTEX?
Primary: it is in our blood. My organization partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can identify well with our individuals and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar benefits everyone, regardless of race or background, which our people would require a lot of assistance to comprehend how to get this advantage 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 challenges. The biggest difficulty we face is shared by a number of little businesses: turnover. In addition, although solar power has actually been around for a while, the basics of these tasks are not widely taught in school. So, we have to invest a lot amount of time training sales personnel to ensure they are able to offer a high level of customer support.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By merely measuring up to our honest worths. I have learned throughout my life that in company, there is no other way to do it best however to be sincere. While others might take shortcuts, the fact constantly dominates.
Please show us a recent company success story.
Just recently, after assisting a customer “go solar” in 2 of her houses, she referred a new customer called Angela to us. Throughout our initial appointment, I noted that they could just accomplish about 56% of solar power balanced out due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to the home to reduce energy usage, which could provide a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more money into the house, however eventually she called me back and stated she wished to progress with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and discovered that her house required a bigger a/c system, plus additional ducts to disperse the air conditioning uniformly throughout the house. We likewise told her that the finance partner might include the expense of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she could get approved for a lower interest rate than any other home enhancement loan for that air conditioner upgrade. She took my guidance and decided to move on and was, in reality, able to lower her loan rates of interest.
Throughout the setup, we ended up paying for Angela and her elderly mother to remain in a hotel until their inspections and upgrades were complete to ensure they were comfortable throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical power used in her home. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have reduced their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we indicate by “client service.”
From a nationwide perspective, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a large gap in access. The majority of the homeowners that we visit are lucky to own a home, yet much of them have not certified for solar due to a number of combined or separated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly family income, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of available loan programs. These neighborhoods require more assistance and education on the importance of setting up a solar system that can conserve them cash. We require to provide more people with opportunities to adopt renewable resource with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your service?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our growth in this industry, and giving us the chance to meet others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small companies in the eco-friendly energy industry.
How can potential partners do service with you?
It is necessary that we share the same worths and mission to help others, even if it implies getting out of our convenience zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do business, but its worth it in the end for our clients. We d love to meet to discuss possible partnership chances if youre willing to start there.
Is there anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have provided. I understand this is only the start, 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 a special thanks to all of my consumers and collaborators at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To find out more about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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Additionally, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not widely taught in school. Throughout our preliminary appointment, I kept in mind that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We went over a couple of additional energy performance upgrades to the house to lower energy consumption, which could provide a greater energy offset. Angela at first flinched at the idea of investing more money into the house, however ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the A/c 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.