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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the fourth installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes market leaders and subjects connected to speeding up a fair and just shift to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the sustainable energy sector.
What inspired you to begin SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I constantly set high expectations for myself and always try to find chances to serve others– be it by providing exceptional client service, language translations, or simply sharing knowledge with others. My individual goals and desire to assist others led me to work in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss objective is simple: 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 resource as a way of living, assisting generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward developing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha moment” when you decided to concentrate on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my service partner and I had the chance to sign up with a very appealing small solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity offered to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic community a concern 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 everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our people would need a lot of support to comprehend how to get this advantage for their homes.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our clients includes its own set of difficulties. The greatest obstacle we face is shared by a number of little organizations: turnover. Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these tasks are not extensively taught in school. So, we have to spend a lot quantity of time training sales staff to make sure they have the ability to provide a high level of client service.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our truthful values. I have actually learned throughout my life that in service, there is no other way to do it ideal but to be truthful. While others may take shortcuts, the fact constantly prevails.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
Recently, after helping a client “go solar” in 2 of her homes, she referred a brand-new customer called Angela to us. During our initial appointment, I kept in mind that they could only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes usage rates and shading from trees on the property. We talked about a couple of additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the house to decrease energy consumption, which might supply a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially cringed at the idea of investing more money into the home, however ultimately she called me back and stated she wished to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and discovered that her house required a larger AC unit, plus additional ducts to distribute the a/c uniformly throughout your home. We also informed her that the finance partner could include the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she might get approved for a lower interest rate than any other house enhancement loan for that a/c upgrade. She took my recommendations and decided to progress and was, in reality, able to reduce her loan rate of interest.
During the setup, we wound up spending for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel until their upgrades and examinations were total to guarantee they were comfortable throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electricity utilized in her house. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment monthly that is less than she was paying before setting up solar. This is what we imply by “customer care.”
From a national viewpoint, how can we enhance access to renewable enery?
Most of the homeowners that we go to are fortunate to own a home, yet numerous of them have not certified for solar due to several combined or separated elements such as subprime credit score, lower yearly family income, self-employment, or an absence of knowledge of available loan programs. We require to offer more individuals with chances to embrace sustainable energy with fewer hassles.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your business?
By empowering us to believe that there is somebody there to support our growth in this market, and offering us the chance to meet others in the very same boat. Now I know that there is hope for minority small companies in the renewable energy market.
How can potential partners work with you?
It is essential that we share the very same worths and mission to help others, even if it indicates getting out of our convenience zones. It might cost a little more for us to do service, but its worth it in the end for our consumers. We d enjoy to meet to discuss possible partnership chances if youre willing to start there.
Is there anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We are genuinely grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have actually offered. I understand this is only the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; however, I anticipate becoming a sponsor to help lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with an unique thanks to all of my customers and collaborators at SUNTEX, given that they are the fuel that drives the objective!
To read more about SUNTEX, go to https://suntexllc.com/.
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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 appointment, I noted that they might just accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We talked about a few additional energy performance upgrades to the home to reduce energy consumption, which could provide a higher energy offset. Angela at first winced at the idea of investing more cash into the house, however ultimately she called me back and stated she desired to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have lowered their energy usage considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.