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 4th installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable and simply shift to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are prospering in the renewable 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 supplying extraordinary customer support, language translations, or simply sharing knowledge with others. My individual goals and desire to assist others led me to operate in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys mission is easy: we desire to make solar simple and budget-friendly every step of the way. We mostly serve the Hispanic community in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers understand and embrace renewable energy as a method of life, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the chance to sign up with a very appealing small solar setup business in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood. As an outcome, my partner and I combined his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my customer support knowledge to produce SUNTEX where “the customer is the reason we exist as a business”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic community and our customers with exceptional customer care.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a concern for SUNTEX?
Number One: it remains in our blood. My organization partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can identify well with our people and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and interaction from those that can not determine with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everybody, despite race or background, and that our people would require a great deal of assistance to understand how to acquire this advantage 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. Furthermore, 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 impact through SUNTEX?
By merely measuring up to our sincere values. I have actually found out throughout my life that in company, there is no other method to do it ideal however to be honest. While others might take faster ways, the truth always prevails.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
During our preliminary appointment, I noted that they might only attain about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We went over a couple of additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to lower energy usage, which could supply a greater energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more money into the house, however eventually she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades.
Throughout the setup, we ended up spending for Angela and her senior mother to stay in a hotel until their assessments and upgrades were complete to ensure they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical power utilized in her home. Thanks to the Air Conditioner upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying prior to installing solar. This is what we mean by “client service.”
From a nationwide viewpoint, how can we improve access to renewable enery?
From my experience, there is a huge space in gain access to. Many of the house owners that we visit are lucky to own a home, yet much of them have actually not received solar due to numerous combined or separated factors such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly family income, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of available loan programs. These neighborhoods need more support and education on the importance of installing a solar system that can save them cash. We need to supply more individuals with opportunities to adopt renewable energy with fewer hassles.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your business?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our growth in this market, and providing us the opportunity to satisfy others in the exact same boat. Now I know that there is hope for minority small companies in the renewable resource market.
How can potential partners do organization with you?
It is essential that we share the exact same values and mission to help 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. We d like to fulfill to talk about possible cooperation opportunities if youre ready to start there.
Is there anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have supplied. I know this is only the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I look forward to ending up being a sponsor to assist pave the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my consumers and partners at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
For more information about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not commonly taught in school. During our preliminary visit, I kept in mind that they could only accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes usage rates and shading from trees on the home. We discussed a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the house to reduce energy usage, which might supply a higher energy balanced out. Angela at first flinched at the thought of investing more money into the house, however eventually she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to the Air Conditioning upgrade, they have lowered their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar.