Our History

Terry Huft started Top Hat Chimney Sweep in 1978 after leaving his position as a millwright at Publisher’s/Times Mirror Mill, now Sierra Pacific, in Burney, CA.

He began by servicing stoves and cleaning chimneys, and in 1988 gained a CA contractor license to do installation work. Over time, Terry became a dealer of wood, gas, and pellet stoves.

Around 1993, he began to work with alternative energy systems before utility-tie solar systems were even in existence.

He had majored in electronics and radio in college and had found solar systems fascinating and intriguing. But at that time, even though there was high-quality equipment, most systems were pieced together (a lot of off-grid systems still are), instead of the clean, built-to-last systems of today.

In 2002, Top Hat Energy was officially born as a division of Top Hat Chimney Sweep, and TopHatEnergy.com went online.

Utility-tied systems were still uncommon in 2002, having not been in effect for very long. Top Hat Energy was one of the first in Northern California listed with the CEC as a dealer and installer. At that time, we were also licensed with the state of CA as a C-10 electrical contractor, necessary for installing solar, wind, and hydro.

The website began to grow significantly in 2007, largely as a source of education and resources for the general public. And in early 2011, Top Hat Energy, Inc. became a privately held corporation.

We still have our roots in our beginnings, servicing and installing wood and pellet stoves, and have a showroom in Redding, CA. Terry’s wife, Kathy, has served as the CFO since the company’s inception.

Top Hat Energy, Inc. has always maintained a fantastic reputation with the public, installing solar in northern California, and international sales in solar equipment and kits.

We believe in taking prompt care of our customers and continuing to educate ourselves and the public in the advancing world of alternative energy.