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 site series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and topics connected to accelerating a fair and just transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the sustainable energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and constantly look for opportunities to serve others– be it by providing exceptional client service, language translations, or merely sharing understanding with others. My personal objectives and desire to assist 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 businesss mission is easy: we desire to make solar easy and budget-friendly every action of the way. We mainly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and embrace renewable resource as a way of life, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my organization partner and I had the chance to join an extremely promising little solar installation company 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 customer service proficiency to develop SUNTEX where “the consumer is the reason we exist as a company”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic community and our customers with excellent customer service.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic community a priority for SUNTEX?
Number One: it remains in our blood. My business partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can recognize well with our individuals and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and communication from those that can not identify with our culture. We knew that solar advantages everybody, no matter race or background, which our people would need a lot of support to comprehend how to acquire this advantage for their houses.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
Being a little company with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of difficulties. In addition, even though solar energy has actually 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 just living up to our honest worths. I have actually learned throughout my life that in business, there is no other way to do it ideal but to be honest. While others may take faster ways, the truth constantly dominates.
Please show us a current business success story.
During our initial appointment, I kept in mind that they might only achieve 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 additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to lower energy consumption, which might offer a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more cash into the house, however ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
Throughout the setup, we wound up paying for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel up until their upgrades and examinations were complete to guarantee they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical power utilized in her home. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have lowered their energy consumption significantly, 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 “customer support.”
From a nationwide point of view, how can we improve access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a vast space in gain access to. The majority of the homeowners that we go to are lucky to own a home, yet a lot of them have not gotten approved for solar due to numerous combined or separated elements such as subprime credit report, lower yearly home income, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of readily available loan programs. These communities require more assistance and education on the value of installing a planetary system that can save them money. We need to offer more individuals with opportunities to adopt sustainable energy with less inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your company?
By empowering us to think that there is someone there to support our growth in this market, and giving us the opportunity to meet others in the very same boat. Now I understand that there is wish for minority small businesses in the sustainable energy industry.
How can prospective partners work with you?
It is necessary that we share the exact same worths and mission to help others, even if it indicates getting out of our convenience zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do company, however its worth it in the end for our consumers. If youre prepared to begin there, we d enjoy to satisfy to discuss possible collaboration opportunities.
Is there anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances you have actually offered. I understand this is just the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; nevertheless, I look forward to becoming a sponsor to help pave the method for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my consumers and partners at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To get more information about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
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In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. During our preliminary consultation, I kept in mind that they could just achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a couple of extra energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to reduce energy usage, which might provide a greater energy offset. Angela at first flinched at the idea of investing more cash 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 AC upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy intake greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.