Top Hat Energy

Frankensolar

I had some solar hardware and components ,purchased a few others ( some from Tophat and some from others) and Tophat designed an off-grid system integrating all the different components. Their willingness to work with what I already had in addition to a few other purchased items kept me within a tight budget . They did the permit process and helped me get my parts correct integrating the solar system into my mobile home project. My site was difficult and designing the mix and match system my budget allowed really showed their talent and care as a company/ team. I could not be happier about how I was treated or how the project turned out

Gabe was amazing assisting me over the phone with ideas of how to seal my leaking stove pipe. I followed his direction and next time it rained it was leaking still. I called him and let him know. He came out the next day to check it out. He was great with exceptional customer service!

Exceptional Experience with Top Hat Solar! Our experience with Top Hat Solar was nothing short of exceptional. From the outset, when I inquired with several companies to assess the viability of our situation for a connection with PG&E, Top Hat far exceeded our expectations. The entire process can be long, daunting, expensive, and quite confusing. However, Top Hat guided, communicated, and supported us every step of the way. They were always willing to take the time to explain details and answer our questions. They assessed whether we were a good fit for solar, explained the entire process while managing our timeframe expectations, and provided insights on engineering, calculations, and how NEM and PG&E work. They took great care in designing the system and arrays to ensure they aligned with our property’s aesthetics. They also interacted with our generator and discussed all visible components and their placements during installation. Whenever we had questions or needed further clarification, we were connected with the person best suited to help us. Having previously worked with Tesla, which was a painfully incompetent and frustrating experience, working with Top Hat was a breath of fresh air. Their professionalism, availability, and ability to turn a long, arduous process into smooth progress were impressive. In any project, you encounter bumps and stalls, but Top Hat adeptly pivots and reassesses. As someone who has been in the architectural design trade for over two decades, I have worked with many tradespeople, contractors, and subcontractors. Top Hat stands out as one of my favorites for their patience, knowledge, experience, and professionalism. Chris, in particular, was invaluable. He and his crew did a wonderful job. His communication, patience, knowledge, and integrity are hard to come by. He understood that we wanted a system that not only performed well but also looked aesthetically pleasing. He took special care to align the inverter and pipes perfectly and making sure we understood the system. I highly recommend Top Hat Solar for anyone considering solar energy solutions!

"I first heard Jeremy Hufft being interviewed on a local radio station in October of 2016 and was impressed by his knowledge, candor, and by his responses to questions posed by both the program hosts and callers. Having been interested in solar for many years but deterred by the expense and relative inefficiency of available systems, I was pleased to learn that solar panels were now more efficient, much lower in cost, and that REU had re-instituted its rebate program. I called Top Hat for an appointment, Jeremy came by to view our situation, and then provided a quote that was far less than anticipated. I had seen many solar installations that are visually repulsive, and mentioned my aesthetic concerns to Jeremy who responded by sending photos of their many visually appealing panel installations, all of which allayed my concerns. Due to the great snowstorm of 1968 which collapsed many Redding roofs, City codes for new construction had been made even more stringent than those of Truckee (which averages over 200'' of snowfall annually), and buildings built before the mid-70's experienced significant difficulty in obtaining a permit for roof-mounted solar panels. Our beloved old home was built in 1900, and though it has a steeply pitched roof, that did not matter per the City code. Jeremy, with his years of study of structural and electrical engineering, was persistent in his repeated contacts with the City and after many months of negotiation and providing load-bearing calculations to the City of Redding's chief engineer, finally obtained a permit in Sept. 2017. Top Hat's crew was efficient and meticulous in installing 16 panels on our south-facing roof and placed the inverter in an inconspicuous place not visible from the street or sidewalk. The system went live on Sept. 11, 2017, and we have been extremely pleased ever since with the look, price, and performance of our Top Hat solar installation. In the past 21.5 months, our average monthly cost for electricity has been less than $8.45, and our break-even point is less than 7 years from inception at REU's present price per kilowatt hour, and even less if rates increase. In conclusion, Jeremy and his crew were professional, communicative, efficient, tenacious in working with the City, and provided an exceptionally reasonable price for the system we selected. We can highly recommend Top Hat Solar without reservation." Sept. 25, 2020. Just a quick update: Our Top Hat system passed its 3-year anniversary early this month and we could not be more pleased with its performance. Average charges for electricity are less than $7/month over 36 months, and the knowing that our carbon footprint is being lowered is very satisfying. The only issue we have had was a failed fuse which Top Hat replaced quickly and got the system up and running without delay. We highly recommend Top Hat to anyone considering going solar. Update, 8-19-24: Our home and the rooftop solar installation reviewed above was damaged in Dec. 2020 by a City water main break for which COR accepted full responsibility and has fully covered the cost of replacement. Zack and his Top Hat crew did a superb job of installing the new panels, which now each have their own inverter and are much more efficient than the previous panels. Since going live on 5-30-24, production has exceeded consumption by 103 kWhs over the nearly 3 months of a very hot summer, and the panels also look good on our corner lot with south-facing roof. We have recommended Top Hat to two other friends, and each family is as pleased with Top Hat's work as we are.

Terry, Jeremy and team were responsive and timely with my request for an estimate to have a solar power system installed. I’m expecting County inspection and sign off today. Top Hat’s pricing was very competitive, but I doubt that another company could match their professionalism and expertise. On the install, Chris kept his crew on task and explained the installation to me throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Top Hat, great company!

12.5 Kwh and its almost paid for itself in just 8 years!!!!!!!!

Top Hat Solar in Redding CA. is an outstanding company. From start to finish they have been professional and attentive. Unfortunately the inverters I bought have had problems. All of them have had to be replaced, but the good news is that I bought them from Top Hat Solar and fortunately for us, all their customers, they honor their warranties. All 3 inverters have needed to be replaced ( I was offered an upgrade for pennies on the dollar from the manufacturer ) after 7 and a half years and Top Hat has handled every aspect of the exchange. My inverters were a fluke problem. Unusual and I'm lucky that I'm a Top Hat customer. They won't ignore you after the install. They treat you as a valued customer. All I had to do was let Jeremy at Top Hat know I had a problem and they handled it from that moment until completion. The panels look great, the inverters look great and the employees are all great to deal with. This system is incredible. If I had to do it all over again I would definitely deal exclusively with Top Hat Solar of Redding. Also, on a side note, the value of my house rose by the cost of the installed system so If I were to sell my house I would get every dollar of the cost of the system back plus the money I've saved over the past 7 years of not having an electric bill.... AT ALL.... AND I've done my part to lower my carbon foot print. Win win win win!!!! I wanted the system oversized so when my gas water heater goes out I can install an on demand electric. I can supplement the gas space heating with electric and lower my propane bill. Oversizing my system was the right choice for me. I've never had an electric bill in the past 7 years. Thanks Top Hat Solar for your 5 star service.

After obtaining quote's from three companies in early 2020, we sat back and waited on things to rebound. We went back to each company for a re-quote and after ridiculous sticker shock from two, Top Hat was the most competitive, honest and transparent with their bid. The entire process from start to finish was a breeze. We were always kept in the loop about everything from permitting, parts, installation, to the finished product! Jake and his install team were absolutely amazing. To say they are perfectionists is an understatement. See photos! So far, we are +2,104 kWh since we flipped the switch in April...I HIGHLY recommend Top Hat over ANYONE in the area. Period.

This place was fantastic.

I am new to solar power and the people here really took the time not only to explain their products fully but also empower me with knowledge about solar science! They went above and beyond both when I called on the phone and when I stopped in to the shop. I'm very happy I went to Top Hat and I so appreciate their help.

Top Hat Energy

We have used Top Hat for 6 years. Any problems have been resolved in a timely manner. Top Hat is locally owned. Jeremy is very helpful and knowledgeable. Paul and Anne Allen

Far Exceeded Expectations

I first heard Jeremy Hufft being interviewed on a local radio station in October of 2016 and was impressed by his knowledge, candor, and by his responses to questions posed by both the program hosts and callers.

Knowledgeable experienced great workmanship

From the initial evaluation through completion the staff at Tophat demonstrated their competence and determination to get everything right. In addition to the roof top panels , inverter , complete main panel upgrade. Critical needs sub panel , generator link they also installed a Grundfos solar well pump with its own panel mounted on a super looking rack. The challenge of threading a float switch wire through buried and blocked conduit was particularly difficult. They got it done saving me the expense of re trenching

HappyCustomer

I have to say that this is probably one of the better decisions I've made in the last few years. First of all, the payback at ten percent p/year will return what I spent for my system in about six years. Additionally, realizing that I will no longer be held hostage and subject to increasing costs by my utility company is very rewarding. Second is that Top Hat was the best choice hands down to do the work. Besides being the low bidder, and having the most positive reviews on the web was just additional justification for my choice. The work began at the worst time of the year but their crews worked in the rain and mud to get the job done. In short, I highly recommend this locally owned company over the many others out there.

Professional Company

In my opinion, you could not find a better solar company in the Redding area. I was really satisfied with the whole process, from getting the quote to finalize the install. They took care of all the permit paper work.

Solar Installation

Top hat solar did a professional job in installing my solar. They helped me through the whole process of getting permits, helping me decide how big my solar array should be and following through with any questions I had. Great job.

Top Hat Solar Energy Top Notch

Great service at a good price. I recommend Top Hat. They are Top Notch !

Great work by Tophat

We had Top Hat install our system. It was our first solar system. A fantastic experience. Great customer service, absolutely no issues or problems. System is working great and Top Hat was always available to answer questions or concerns. I couldn't recommend them any higher. Great local company.

Keep up the good work!

Top Hat Energy built our ground solar system in October of 2018. Jeremy was a top man in assisting us and educating us in what we wanted and needed. He was professional, quick in returning all phone calls and emails and answering any and all questions we had. He is a knowledgeable, honest and personable man of his trade. His team was a very very timely group of clean, friendly neat looking professionals and they always kept our property looking clean and neat. We never saw any signs of construction at the end of each day. They came in just as quickly and quietly as they left each day. My husband loves to watch and ask questions and his concerns were always answered friendly,professionally and knowledgeably. We have used numerous contractors in our last 25 years in Shasta County but none have compared with the quality of work we received from Top Hat Energy.

Top Hat Energy

Top Hat installed our panels December of last year. We were very happy with their customer service and workmanship. They were always prompt in returning our calls and very professional. I would highly recommend this company.

Top Hat Energy was Top Notch!

Top Hat Energy was Top Notch. They were very professional and installation was quick. Ben and Jeremy are great guys and always there to answer any questions. I had a panel stop working a few months after it was installed and they came out the next day and replaced the part. I couldn't be happier with the guys at Top Hat! I've already recommended them to my family and clients (and their bid was $10,000 less than the other bids they were getting). If your looking for solar, look no further!

Kirk in ABQ

Very affordable and knowledgeable!

Solar Material Supplier

Top Hat Energy designed the solar system for my house. Although this was my first solar installation, I acted as the general contractor as I have extensive construction experience. I purchased 33 solar panels and DC-AC voltage converters and interconnects from Top Hat Energy. They drop shipped everything at my house so that my electrician could install their product. I had not problems with any of the equipment they shipped and their pricing was very fair. The system has been active for nearly 4 years now with no problems. I would recommend this firm for solar materials.

Great Deal!

I was impressed by both the speed in which the installation of my system took place, and by the affordability that Top Hat had to offer. Jeremy was very courteous and considerate of my needs, and maintained open communication even beyond the installation process. Now I'm producing tons of green energy, while enjoying my A/C more than ever.

Top Hat Energy

We had solar installed by Top Hat Energy in 2016, and could not have been more pleased with the customer service provided to us throughout the process. This includes the answering all of our questions, permit process, installation and solar monitoring/tracking system. It was a pleasure to work with Jeremy and the Top Hat Energy team!

New Solar

We are just beginning our solar journey, but so far Top Hat has delivered an over the top experience. I would highly recommend them

Best solar decision ever!

I didn’t think we really needed solar-boy was i wrong. Top Hat made it so easy! They handle everything and so professionally done. I never worried about permits or rebates they did it all. Top Hat is number 1 in my book.

Our Solar Experience

We purchased the system through Top Hat Energy. We found them to be very professional and very knowledgeable. They worked with in our schedule and gave us a super deal on the system price and installation. We would highly recommend them!

13 kW residential solar installation

Top Hat Energy was recommended to me by a neighbor. Though I did make additional calls, our first impression of Jeremy and his staff was outstanding. Our project was thoroughly discussed, the ROII proved very accurate, site prep and installation was very clean, organized and completed as scheduled. This ground-level system has performed very much to our satisfaction. One minor warranty issue with an inverter was resolved within the same day of the phone call.

Best Solar in Shasta County!

Jeremy, Brandon, David and Ben are the best in the business! Very personable, answered all my questions, and handled the entire system! I didn’t have to do anything! It was the best! They were happy to explain things in “plain English” since I’m not very mechanically inclined. They have so tibiusly checked up on me an made sure I was completely satisfied! The best!

Best Solar Decision Ever!!

After reviewing offers/estimates from 5 different solar companies we chose Top Hat Solar. I went to the warehouse and Jeremy took me back to see the actual inverter and panels he would use. Not only was their pricing better than any of the others but I loved dealing with a family owned and run company. Their installation system was fantastic and they went the extra mile to make things look as curb appeal friendly as could be possible. We have been "online" since Jan 2018 and the system has worked perfectly. Absolutely the best solar decision ever!! Thank you Huffit brothers!!

New Solar System

We had Top Hat install a solar system to supply 100% of our power this year. They gave us a great deal on high density panels, completed the design and install in a highly efficient and professional manner. Communication was great. We looked into seceral other solar companies and Top Hatbgave us the best deal and the highest quality. The system has been working great since day one. I would highly recommend Top Hat to anyone and appreciate supporting a local family owned company.