Cooper Electric Supply Co. Partners with NJR Clean Energy Ventures for Simple Solar Savings

Tinton Falls, NJ – April 2011:  Cooper Electric Supply Co., a subsidiary of Sonepar USA and leading provider of electrical supplies serving New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania announces its partnership with NJR Clean Energy Ventures (NJR) to supply solar photovoltaic equipment for NJR’s residential solar lease program – The Sunlight Advantage™.

The Sunlight Advantage eliminates the hassle and high costs associated with solar energy.  It provides New Jersey homeowners the opportunity to benefit from solar energy through a leasing program with no upfront or maintenance costs.  While NJR provides the lease, Cooper Electric supplies the solar modules, inverters, racking systems, and the balance of system products.

“We’re making renewable energy more affordable and accessible, helping customers save on their monthly electric bills through this innovative program,” says, Richard Gardner, Vice President - Business Development, NJR.

A typical 6 kilowatt (kW) system would cost $59 per month over a lease period of 20 years.  This monthly rate is fixed over the lease term and includes all necessary installation and maintenance costs.  The usual homeowner with a 6 kW system will realize immediate savings on electricity costs, saving approximately $20,000 over the life of the lease, based upon current electric prices.

The experienced contractor partners of NJR will install a solar system on a homeowner’s roof, complete all the paperwork, and obtain the necessary permits.  Once the system is installed, NJR operates and maintains the system at no cost to the homeowner for the duration of the lease.

“The response to The Sunlight Advantage has been incredible and highlights the demand for solar energy and savings.  Cooper’s involvement in this program shows the diversity of our company and how we can differentiate ourselves as a solutions-based partner in the electrical industry,” says Mike Dudas, President, Cooper Electric.

About Cooper Electric
Cooper Electric provides the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania markets with expert electrical supply and service capabilities. Established in 1961 as a family-owned business, Cooper Electric, a Sonepar USA company, is a full-line, single source wholesaler of electrical supplies, with specialty departments and online shopping services.  Headquartered in Tinton Falls, NJ, Cooper Electric has over 25 locations, employs 500 people, and is supported by Distribution Centers throughout the tri-state area.  To learn more about the partnership with NJR, please contact our Energy Solutions Group at (732) 943-3745, or be sure not to miss Cooper Electric’s Energy Saving events the week of May 16th to speak with a Sunlight Advantage specialist at a Cooper branch near you.  Visit www.cooper-electric.com for event details or call 732-945-1251.

About NJR
New Jersey Resources, a Fortune 1000 company, provides reliable energy and natural gas services including transportation, distribution and asset management in states from the Gulf Coast to the New England regions, including the Mid-Continent region, the West Coast and Canada, while investing in and maintaining an extensive infrastructure to support future growth. With over $2.5 billion in annual revenues, NJR safely and reliably operates and maintains 6,700 miles of natural gas transportation and distribution infrastructure to serve nearly half a million customers; develops and manages a diverse portfolio of nearly 2.3 Bcf/day of transportation capacity and more than 50 Bcf of storage capacity; and provides appliance installation, repair and contract service to approximately 144,000 homes and businesses. Additionally, NJR holds investments in midstream assets through equity partnerships including Steckman Ridge and Iroquois. Through Conserve to Preserve®, NJR is helping customers save energy and money by promoting conservation and encouraging efficiency. For more information about NJR, visit www.njliving.com.