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 industry leaders and topics related to speeding up an equitable and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing 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 search for chances to serve others– be it by supplying remarkable customer care, language translations, or merely sharing knowledge with others. My personal goals and desire to assist others led me to work in the eco-friendly energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is simple: we wish to make solar simple and budget-friendly every action of the way. We mostly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable resource as a way of living, helping generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey towards developing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha minute” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my company partner and I had the opportunity to sign up with an extremely promising small solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a top priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and interaction from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar benefits everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our people would require a lot of assistance to comprehend how to get this advantage for their houses.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
Being a small business with a high level of service expectations for our consumers comes with its own set of difficulties. Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not commonly taught in school.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By simply measuring up to our honest values. I have actually found out throughout my life that in business, there is no other method to do it best however to be truthful. While others might take shortcuts, the reality constantly dominates.
Please share with us a current business success story.
During our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a few additional energy performance upgrades to the house to reduce energy intake, which could provide a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more money into the home, but eventually she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades.
Throughout the installation, we ended up spending for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel until their assessments and upgrades were total to guarantee they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical power utilized in her house. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying before installing solar. This is what we suggest by “customer care.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
Many of the property owners that we check out are lucky to own a house, yet numerous of them have actually not qualified for solar due to several combined or isolated aspects such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly household earnings, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of readily available loan programs. We need to supply more people with chances to embrace renewable energy with less inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your business?
By empowering us to believe that there is somebody there to support our development in this market, and providing us the chance to fulfill others in the very same boat. Now I know that there is expect minority little companies in the renewable resource industry.
How can prospective partners do service with you?
It is very important that we share the very same worths and mission to assist others, even if it implies getting out of our comfort zones. It may cost a little bit more for us to do organization, however its worth it in the end for our customers. We d love to satisfy to go over possible partnership chances if youre willing to begin there.
Exists anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate membership 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; nevertheless, I anticipate becoming a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my consumers and partners at SUNTEX, since they are the fuel that drives the objective!
For more information about SUNTEX, check out https://suntexllc.com/.
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Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not widely taught in school. Throughout our initial visit, 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 property. We talked about a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the home to minimize energy usage, which might offer a greater energy offset. Angela initially winced at the thought of investing more cash into the home, but ultimately she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the A/c 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 setting up solar.