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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

In addition, even though solar energy has actually been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not extensively taught in school. During our preliminary appointment, I kept in mind that they might only accomplish about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We went over a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the home to minimize energy consumption, which could supply a higher energy offset. Angela at first cringed at the thought of investing more cash into the house, however ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually lowered their energy usage 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 pleased to share the 4th installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics associated with accelerating an equitable and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the sustainable energy sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always try to find opportunities to serve others– be it by offering remarkable customer support, language translations, or just sharing understanding with others. My personal objectives and desire to help others led me to work in the sustainable energy sector, where I can pursue this dream on a bigger scale.
Inform us about SUNTEX?
Our businesss mission is easy: we want to make solar simple and cost effective every step of the way. We largely serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– assist Spanish speakers comprehend and embrace renewable resource as a way of living, helping generations to come.
Please share with us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Existed an “aha moment” when you decided to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the opportunity to join a very appealing small solar installation business in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) community. As a result, my partner and I combined his experience in selling to the Hispanic market with my customer care expertise to develop SUNTEX where “the customer is the factor we exist as a company”. Our focus is connecting the Hispanic neighborhood and our consumers with excellent customer care.
Why is concentrating on the Hispanic neighborhood a top priority for SUNTEX?
Top: it is in our blood. My service partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can recognize well with our individuals and their worldview. Number Two: in the past, we have personally experienced a lack of care and communication from those that can not recognize with our culture. We understood that solar advantages everybody, regardless of race or background, which our people would need a great deal of support to comprehend how to get 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 customers comes with its own set of obstacles. Additionally, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these jobs are not widely taught in school.
How are you making an impact through SUNTEX?
By simply measuring up to our sincere values. I have found out throughout my life that in service, there is no other method to do it best but to be truthful. While others may take faster ways, the truth always prevails.
Please show us a recent company success story.
Recently, after helping a customer “go solar” in two of her homes, she referred a new client called Angela to us. Throughout our preliminary consultation, I kept in mind that they could only accomplish about 56% of solar energy offset due to their homes intake rates and shading from trees on the home. We went over a few additional energy performance upgrades to your house to decrease energy usage, which might provide a greater energy offset. Angela at first flinched at the thought of investing more cash into the home, however eventually she called me back and stated she wanted to move on with the solar and energy effectiveness upgrades. We completed a Home Energy Audit to see why her usage was so high and found that her home needed a bigger air conditioner unit, plus additional ducts to distribute the a/c evenly throughout your house. We also informed her that the finance partner could add the cost of that upgrade to the solar loan– and that in doing so, she could qualify for a lower interest rate than any other house improvement loan for that a/c upgrade. She took my guidance and decided to move forward and was, in fact, able to decrease her loan rate of interest.
Throughout the setup, we ended up spending for Angela and her senior mom to remain in a hotel till their evaluations and upgrades were complete to guarantee they were comfy throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electrical power used in her home. Thanks to the air conditioning upgrade, they have actually minimized their energy consumption significantly, 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 “consumer service.”
From a nationwide point of view, how can we enhance access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a large gap in access. The majority of the property owners that we visit are lucky to own a home, yet a lot of them have not gotten approved for solar due to several combined or isolated aspects such as subprime credit rating, lower yearly household income, self-employment, or a lack of knowledge of available loan programs. These neighborhoods need more assistance and education on the significance of setting up a solar system that can conserve them money. We need to offer more individuals with opportunities to embrace sustainable energy with fewer inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate membership helped your organization?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone 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 resource market.
How can prospective partners do organization with you?
It is essential that we share the same worths and mission to help others, even if it suggests leaving our comfort zones. It may cost a bit more for us to do organization, but its worth it in the end for our clients. If youre willing to start there, we d enjoy to satisfy to discuss possible collaboration opportunities.
Exists 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 offered. I understand this is only the start, and we have a long roadway ahead of us; nevertheless, I eagerly anticipate becoming a sponsor to assist 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 discover more about SUNTEX, see https://suntexllc.com/.
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