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 essentials of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. During our preliminary visit, I kept in mind that they could only attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We discussed a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to the house to reduce energy consumption, which might supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela at first flinched at the thought of investing more money into the home, however ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioner upgrade, they have minimized their energy consumption greatly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before installing solar.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes market leaders and subjects related to speeding up an equitable and simply transition to a sustainable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable energy sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and constantly look for chances to serve others– be it by supplying extraordinary client service, language translations, or just sharing understanding with others. My personal goals and desire to help others led me to operate in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys mission is basic: we desire to make solar simple and cost effective every step of the way. We mostly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and adopt sustainable energy as a way of living, helping generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you chose to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my service 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) neighborhood.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and communication from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everyone, regardless of race or background, and that our individuals would require a lot of assistance to understand how to obtain this benefit for their homes.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our clients includes its own set of challenges. Nevertheless, the greatest difficulty we face is shared by a number of small companies: turnover. In addition, even though solar power has been around for a while, the essentials of these jobs are not widely taught in school. So, we need to invest a lot quantity of time training sales staff to ensure they are able to offer a high level of client service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By just living up to our truthful worths. I have actually discovered throughout my life that in company, there is no other method to do it ideal but to be honest. While others may take faster ways, the truth always prevails.
Please share with us a current company success story.
Throughout our preliminary visit, I noted that they might just achieve about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the home. We talked about a few additional energy efficiency upgrades to the house to decrease energy usage, which might provide a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more cash into the home, but ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
Throughout the installation, we ended up paying for Angela and her senior mother to remain in a hotel until their examinations and upgrades were complete to ensure they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical energy utilized in her home. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually minimized 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 point of view, how can we enhance access to sustainable enery?
From my experience, there is a huge gap in gain access to. The majority of the house owners that we go to are fortunate to own a house, yet a lot of them have not received solar due to several combined or isolated factors such as subprime credit report, lower yearly home income, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of offered loan programs. These neighborhoods need more support and education on the importance of installing a planetary system that can conserve them money. We require to supply more individuals with opportunities to adopt renewable resource with less hassles.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your company?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this industry, and offering us the opportunity to satisfy others in the exact same boat. Now I understand that there is wish for minority small companies in the sustainable energy market.
How can potential partners work with you?
It is necessary that we share the exact same worths and mission to help others, even if it suggests getting out of our comfort zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do business, however its worth it in the end for our consumers. We d enjoy to satisfy to go over possible partnership opportunities if youre willing to begin there.
Is there anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate membership program and for all of the chances you have actually provided. I understand this is just the start, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; nevertheless, I eagerly 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 clients and partners at SUNTEX, because they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To read more about SUNTEX, see https://suntexllc.com/.
###