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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these tasks are not commonly taught in school. Throughout our preliminary consultation, I kept in mind that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We talked about a couple of additional energy effectiveness upgrades to the home to decrease energy intake, which could offer a greater energy offset. Angela at first flinched at the thought of investing more cash into the house, however ultimately she called me back and stated she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. Thanks to the Air conditioner upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy consumption 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 delighted to share the 4th installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features industry leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always try to find chances to serve others– be it by supplying exceptional customer support, language translations, or just 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 companys mission is simple: we desire to make solar easy and economical every step of the way. We mostly serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and embrace renewable resource as a method of life, helping generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey towards establishing SUNTEX. Existed 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 an extremely appealing small solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the opportunity available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community. As an outcome, my partner and I integrated his experience in offering to the Hispanic market with my customer care know-how to create SUNTEX where “the client is the factor we exist as a business”. Our focus is linking the Hispanic neighborhood and our clients with exceptional customer support.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a concern for SUNTEX?
Top: it is in our blood. My service partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can identify well with our individuals and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have actually personally experienced a lack of care and interaction from those that can not identify with our culture. We understood that solar benefits everybody, despite race or background, and that our people would need a lot of support to understand how to obtain this advantage for their houses.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
Being a small company with a high level of service expectations for our clients comes with its own set of difficulties. In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the fundamentals of these jobs are not extensively taught in school.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By simply living up to our sincere values. I have actually found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it right however to be sincere. While others might take shortcuts, the fact always prevails.
Please show us a current business success story.
Just recently, after assisting a client “go solar” in two of her homes, she referred a new customer called Angela to us. Throughout our initial appointment, I kept in mind that they could just accomplish about 56% of solar power balanced out due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the property. We discussed a few additional energy performance upgrades to your house to decrease energy consumption, which could provide a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more cash into the house, however ultimately 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 use was so high and discovered that her home required a larger a/c unit, plus additional ducts to distribute the air conditioning evenly throughout your home. We also told her that the financing partner could add the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– which in doing so, she could get approved for a lower rates of interest than any other house improvement loan for that air conditioner upgrade. She took my suggestions and chose to move forward and was, in fact, able to lower her loan rates of interest.
During the setup, we wound up spending for Angela and her elderly mom to remain in a hotel up until their evaluations and upgrades were complete to guarantee they were comfy throughout the process.
Now, Angelas solar system covers 100% of the electrical energy utilized in her house. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have lowered their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar. This is what we imply by “customer service.”
From a national point of view, how can we enhance access to sustainable enery?
From my experience, there is a huge gap in access. Most of the property owners that we visit are fortunate to own a home, yet a lot of them have not certified for solar due to a number of combined or separated factors such as subprime credit history, lower annual household income, self-employment, or an absence of understanding of available loan programs. These communities require more support and education on the importance of installing a planetary system that can conserve them cash. We need to offer more people with opportunities to embrace eco-friendly energy with fewer inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate subscription helped your organization?
By empowering us to think that there is somebody there to support our development in this market, and providing us the opportunity to fulfill others in the same boat. Now I understand that there is wish for minority small companies in the renewable energy market.
How can potential partners do company with you?
It is very important that we share the same worths and mission to assist others, even if it indicates getting out of our convenience zones. It may cost a little bit more for us to do service, however its worth it in the end for our customers. We d like to fulfill to talk about possible cooperation chances if youre prepared to begin there.
Is there anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We are truly grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the chances you have actually offered. I know this is just the beginning, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; nevertheless, I eagerly anticipate ending up being a sponsor to help pave the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my clients and partners at SUNTEX, considering that they are the fuel that drives the mission!
To read more about SUNTEX, see https://suntexllc.com/.
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