Kopp Electric Company Overview
Established in 1994, Kopp Electric Co. is a family-owned and operated business in Toms River, New Jersey. With 40 current employees and over 34,000 kilowatts of solar energy installed since 2014, their goal is to provide innovative, cost-effective, and cutting-edge energy technology to their consumers.
Kopp Electric Co.’s primary market has always been residential properties; however, they also offer municipal and commercial installations across New Jersey. Many of their customers describe them as exceedingly professional, and their strong google review scores reflect this, although there are a handful of horror stories.
Kopp Electric Services and Specifics
Specific Solar Panels offered
Kopp Electric is partnered with several trusted solar energy brands, including Enphase, SolarWorld, and LG Solar, and offer a variety of products to suit your specific energy situation.
Specific Types of Solar Offered
Kopp Electric Co. has a long history of providing roof-mounted solar energy systems for residential properties in New Jersey but also covers commercial properties. Although they don’t specify it anywhere on their website, their projects are primarily grid-tied, working in close association with local utilities.
They offer a turn-key solution, meaning they will handle everything from the initial design, the permissions and planning needed from local authorities and utilities, and finally the installation itself, all with an in-house team. They mention that this process might take some time – up to sixty days from signing, with around twenty dedicated to acquiring township permits.
Kopp Electric Installation Costs and Process
Costs
Kopp Electric doesn’t boast about any competitive pricing or cost-effective solutions. When SolarEmpower reached out to ask whether they prioritised quality or cost, we were met with stony silence. Whilst this can be off-putting, Kopp Electric does offer multiple incentives to cut down on the potential cost. Most prominent is their promise to save their customers 25-35% on their utility bills from the moment their system is turned on, with them stating that many of their customers will see even greater savings. Their customer reviews largely back this promise up, and what complaints they do have aren’t about the pricing.
Many of Kopp Electric Co.’s projects are eligible for New Jersey’s Transition Renewable Energy Certificate (TREC) scheme. Every time you meter a thousand kilowatts of energy, a TREC is automatically cashed in, netting you an additional bonus on top of your savings. The exact details can be found on Kopp Electric Co.’s website, or via trecsnj.com. On top of this scheme, your solar installation may also qualify for the 26% Federal Tax Credit, cutting a significant amount off the total cost of your system.
If the initial cost is still too much, Kopp Electric is partnered with several financial services and offer a variety of payment options, including leasing or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for both commercial and residential installations.
And, to sweeten the deal further, they even have a referral program, netting you $500 if your referral chooses to go solar with them.
Legitimacy
Kopp Electric Company are a legitimate business with several certifications to their name:
- New Jersey Licensed Electrical Contractor (#13013)
- New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor’s License (#13VH05330100)
- Accredited with the Better Business Bureau since 2010 with a solid A+ rating
- One of Solar Power World’s top solar contractors since 2015 (Rank 195 as of 2022)
- A certified SolarEdge Preferred Partner
- A Sungage Financial Certified Partner
In addition to these, they are also partnered with multiple suppliers – including Enphase Energy, LG Solar, and SolarWorld – as well as financial services such as SunRun and Spruce Finance.
Maintenance
Kopp Electric Co. offers an impressive 25-year warranty on all their solar energy systems and promises that their solar panels will last far longer. They offer comprehensive maintenance services, including cleaning and general repair, putting your investment in safe hands.
Whilst the vast majority of Kopp Electric Co.’s customers are satisfied with their service – often praising the team’s professionalism, expertise, and customer service – there are a few concerning complaints about the company. One notable story speaks to a total lack of communication, neither informing the customer when the installation team arrived, nor when they left. The horror doesn’t stop there, as the unfortunate customer goes on to report that the technician had an entitled attitude, and that Kopp provided them with an expensive, undersized system.
The problems with communication are further echoed in another complaint, where the customer was given the run-around regarding an unauthorised change to his system. When he attempted to contact Kopp Energy Co., he was eventually directed to financial partner SunRun, who redirected him back to Kopp Electric. This is regrettably similar to our own experience; when SolarEmpower were met with total silence when we tried to contact Kopp Electric Co. via email.
Both stories are at odds with Kopp Electric Co.’s otherwise sterling record of customer service and professionalism. If these unfortunate customers – and our own SolarEmpower representative – just happened to find the ‘bad apple’ in Kopp’s team, we all know how that one apple can spoil the whole bunch.
Secret Shopper AnalysisWe reached out to Kopp Electric Co., which offers residential, municipal, and commercial solar installations across the state. With a strong focus on professionalism, they have received positive reviews from many satisfied customers. They partner with trusted solar brands, provide turn-key solutions, and offer incentives such as utility bill savings, New Jersey’s TREC scheme, and the 26% Federal Tax Credit. Kopp Electric Co. is a legitimate business with relevant licenses, certifications, and partnerships. They offer a 25-year warranty and comprehensive maintenance services. While some customers have reported issues with communication and system sizing, they are still recommended for their quality solar services. |
The SolarEmpower View
Cost: 8/10 | Legitimacy: 9/10 |
Quality: 8/10 | Customer Service: 6/10 |
Kopp Electric Company is a well-established company with an impressive track record of providing quality solar energy solutions. With a variety of payment and financing options and a professional team of trained experts, you can expect a strong return on an already great investment. That said, we cannot ignore both our own experiences and the bad experience of others when it comes to some of their team member’s lack of communication and professional attitude. Whilst we do think Kopp Electric Company is a good choice for solar energy in New Jersey and still recommend them, it’s always best to prepare for the worst. We give them an optimistic 8/10.