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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

Additionally, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not extensively taught in school. Throughout our initial visit, I kept in mind that they could just attain about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a few extra energy performance upgrades to the home to reduce energy consumption, which could provide a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the idea of investing more money into the house, but ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioning upgrade, they have reduced their energy intake greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the fourth installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics related to speeding up a fair and simply transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are growing in the sustainable energy sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and constantly search for opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying remarkable client service, language translations, or simply sharing understanding with others. My individual goals and desire to help others led me to work in the renewable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is easy: we wish to make solar simple and affordable every step of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt renewable energy as a lifestyle, assisting generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the opportunity to sign up with an extremely appealing small solar installation company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and interaction from those that can not identify with our culture. We knew that solar benefits everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would require a lot of assistance to understand how to get this advantage for their homes.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
Being a small business with a high level of service expectations for our clients includes its own set of difficulties. The greatest challenge we face is shared by a number of small companies: turnover. Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. So, we need to invest a lot quantity of time training sales staff to ensure they are able to supply a high level of client service.
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 honest. While others might take shortcuts, the truth constantly prevails.
Please share with us a current business success story.
Just recently, after helping a customer “go solar” in two of her houses, she referred a new client named Angela to us. During our initial consultation, I kept in mind that they might only attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a few extra energy efficiency upgrades to your house to minimize energy intake, which might supply a higher energy offset. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more money into the house, however eventually she called me back and stated she wished to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. We finished a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and discovered that her house required a larger a/c unit, plus extra ducts to distribute the a/c equally throughout the home. We also told her that the financing partner could add the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she might get approved for a lower rates of interest than any other house enhancement loan for that air conditioner upgrade. She took my advice and chose to move forward and was, in reality, able to minimize her loan rate of interest.
During the installation, we wound up paying for Angela and her senior mother to stay in a hotel up until their inspections and upgrades were complete to ensure they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electricity utilized in her house. Thanks to the air conditioner upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy consumption significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up 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 huge gap in gain access to. Most of the property owners that we visit are fortunate to own a house, yet a lot of them have actually not certified for solar due to a number of combined or isolated elements such as subprime credit history, lower annual home income, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of available loan programs. These neighborhoods need more assistance and education on the importance of setting up a solar system that can conserve them cash. We need to supply more people with chances to adopt sustainable energy with fewer hassles.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your company?
By empowering us to believe that there is somebody there to support our growth in this market, and offering us the opportunity to fulfill others in the very same boat. Now I understand that there is expect minority small companies in the sustainable energy industry.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is necessary that we share the very same worths and objective to assist others, even if it indicates getting out of our convenience zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do organization, however its worth it in the end for our customers. If youre ready to start there, we d enjoy to satisfy to talk about possible cooperation chances.
Is there anything else you would like 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 offered. I know this is only the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; however, I look forward to becoming a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my clients and partners at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
For more information about SUNTEX, visit https://suntexllc.com/.
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