Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Ally Mendoza, CEO of SUNTEX

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the fourth installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes market leaders and subjects related to accelerating a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are growing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always look for opportunities to serve others– be it by providing remarkable customer care, language translations, or simply sharing knowledge with others. My individual objectives and desire to assist others led me to operate in the renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is basic: we wish to make solar easy and inexpensive every step of the method. We mostly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers understand and embrace sustainable energy as a way of living, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the chance to join an extremely promising small solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community. As a result, my partner and I integrated his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my client service competence to create SUNTEX where “the consumer is the factor we exist as a business”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic neighborhood and our customers with outstanding client service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Primary: it remains in our blood. My business partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can identify well with our individuals and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and communication from those that can not relate to our culture. We understood that solar advantages everyone, regardless of race or background, which our individuals would require a great deal of assistance to understand how to acquire this benefit for their homes.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our consumers comes with its own set of obstacles. In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these tasks are not commonly taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By just measuring up to our honest worths. I have actually found out throughout my life that in company, there is no other method to do it best however to be truthful. While others may take shortcuts, the reality always dominates.
Please show us a recent company success story.
Recently, after assisting a client “go solar” in two of her houses, she referred a brand-new customer named Angela to us. Throughout our initial appointment, I kept in mind that they might only attain about 56% of solar power offset due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a couple of additional energy efficiency upgrades to the home to lower energy consumption, which could offer a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first cringed at the idea of investing more money into the house, however ultimately she called me back and said she wished to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her use was so high and discovered that her house required a larger Air Conditioning system, plus additional ducts to disperse the Air Conditioning equally throughout the house. We likewise told her that the finance partner could add the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she could receive a lower interest rate than any other house enhancement loan for that Air Conditioner upgrade. She took my guidance and chose to progress and was, in fact, able to lower her loan rate of interest.
Throughout the installation, we ended up paying for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel until their examinations and upgrades were complete to ensure they were comfortable throughout the process.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical energy used in her house. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have minimized their energy usage greatly, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment every month 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 enhance access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a vast gap in access. Many of the property owners that we go to are lucky to own a house, yet much of them have actually not received solar due to numerous combined or separated aspects such as subprime credit score, lower yearly home income, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of readily available loan programs. These neighborhoods require more assistance and education on the significance of setting up a planetary system that can conserve them money. We require to supply more people with opportunities to embrace renewable resource with fewer troubles.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your organization?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our growth in this industry, and offering us the chance to meet others in the very same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small companies in the eco-friendly energy market.
How can potential partners do company with you?
It is necessary that we share the very same worths and mission to assist others, even if it indicates leaving our convenience zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do organization, however its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre prepared to begin there, we d enjoy to meet to discuss possible collaboration opportunities.
Is there anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely 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 eagerly 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 clients and partners at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
For more information about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
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In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. Throughout our initial appointment, I noted that they could only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We talked about a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the home to minimize energy usage, which could offer a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more money into the house, but eventually she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air Conditioner upgrade, they have actually decreased their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.