For a while now, everywhere I read has articles about Solar power and clean fuel. I wanted to search out investment opportunities (likely in the forms of stocks) to add to my portfolio.

If anyone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. I'm looking for the producers, suppliers, and any areas of business that might be affected should the solar boom occur.

 

Thanks everyone. This forum has always been a very informative read.

http://www.zecco.com/forums/Solar-stocks-9540_1.aspx

this was a discussion on the site on solar

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I have (tiny) holdings in:
Tech: AKAM, AAPL, EMC, VMW
Financial: BAC, ING
Steel: MT

ETFs also exist, which PBW being the heavist volume.  PBD and a few others also exist.  PBD is nice in that it gives exposure to international opportunities.  I have some money in PBW and have made a bit of profit on it so far.  That said, my friend managed to buy into trina just before it shot up 18%... 

keep in mind that PBW is a "green" ETF, not specifically solar.  It also invests in wind and biomass energy sources.  The ETF is fairly volitile as well, as are the underlying securities.



I would expect select construction companies specializing in PV installation would increase in value


Under the assumption that solar energy takes off, there will be higher demand for batteries.  This will push the lead and/or nickle prices up, as well as increase demand for battery makers and recyclers.  Companies selling batteries and the core components will increase.  Because lead is concidered bad, expect high volatility when laws and regulations form over the widespread use of large lead batteries. 

Power semi manufactures like IXYS and IRF might see some benefit if the solar market gets large enough.  The DC (battery) to AC (50/60hz) inverter will use power IGBTs.

Companies like Xantrex (canadian stock) should fare well, as they make power conversion systems for both residential and commercial/industrial applications.

The material of choice is still up in the air for solar panels.  Some of the high efficiency materials are esoteric and hard to produce.  Cheaper methods give lower efficiency parts.  eventually, one would expect a low-cost, adequete efficiency solution to emerge, but it hasn't just yet. 

as always, these other sector companies have large markets and the solar boom may not be a huge impact on them.

Solar and alternative fuels hold great promise but it resides heavily in the powers that be. Currently the Bush administration supports virtually no subsizing of solar, and most alternative fuels. They are heavily in favor of Ethanol. California is investing heavily into Solar and alternatives though. The problem is the vast amount of money it takes to bring up a industry like that into gear. You simply can't compete on a large scale with the traditional energy players. Bushes energy independence plan calls for a 100% increase in solar power by 2020. Well currently roughly 1% of Americas energy is from Solar. A 100% increase is 2%..lol. Contrast that with 100 coal firing plants that are planned, and being built around that country. Then over 50 billion dollars in Federal grant money involving Ethanol which is not the most sound choice for alternative energy. If we continue to get a Administration, Congress, and Senate that does nothing but pay lip service to alternate energy then where the industry is at is where it will stay.

While I love Canadia Oil Trusts like HTE, PGH, PWE with impressive 15% dividends...

The new wave of the future car will be electric...

Check out the Telsa Motors Roadster, a pretty sweet vehicle!
    - Unfortunately, there is no public stock for this company at this time.

However, another electric vehicle company ZAP, does trade under the ZAAP.OB symbol at ~$1. Might be a great stock with future potential. At least check the news of how the company has partnered in China!

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KCOM2006

check out wwat.ob or in zecco it is wwat

Clark

I agree with you entirely.  Ethanol is not the answer for alternative fuel, based on the cost factor. Switching to solar completely is quite doubtful.  Conservation can be an answer to the fast depleting resources and energy independence.  But I also accept the fact that we need to develop on the other alternative sources, like solar and wind. 

PBD seems to be making news for the right reason, but it cannot be classified under Solar though as basically into 'clean Energy'.

 

http://www.marketsimplified.com/technical/index/PBW/365/1?category=simple

Pick up a copy of the Clean Tech Revolution by Ron Pernick and Clint Wilder. A good primer on solar and other alternative fuels. It is subtitled "the next big growth and investment opportunity>"  It list and discusses many of the public companies in this sector.

These are the solor stocks I've been watching closely and have invested in a few.

 

Akeena Solar, Inc.	AKNS	8.34	0.44	5.57	124,264	8.45	7.91	8.00	USD	Trade
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.	ASTI	17.80	0.82	4.83	598,406	18.14	16.79	17.00	USD	Trade
First Solar, Inc.	FSLR	152.45	4.07	2.74	4,354,216	156.00	146.09	149.11	USD	Trade
JA Solar Holdings, Co., Ltd. ADS	JASO	55.44	0.11	0.20	2,997,154	58.64	55.05	56.40	USD	Trade
LDK Solar Co., Ltd. American...	LDK	37.20	0.84	2.31	3,387,900	38.39	36.02	37.55	USD	Trade
SunPower Corporation Class A	SPWR	109.25	-3.75	-3.32	2,655,790	112.00	103.78	110.95	USD	Trade
Yingli Green Energy Holding ...	YGE	31.76

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Daniel Jaquez
MrDanielJaquez@aol.com
630-330-2551

Silicon supply side has been interesting lately with LDK inventory, STP new low cost supply and big WFR contracts.  EMKR looks good for concentrated solar plants.

Check out http://solarbuzz.com/, which is a portal to the world of solar energy.

just a quick note: ive found success in  LDK

The stock just plummeted 30 points!! success?? maybe if your swing trading...

I like 2 solar stocks. LDK,  and JASO.  Picking a certain stock is a personal choice, but do some homework on both of these before buying.  JASO has a higher P/E (near 70), but the market has been running with it. I believe they come out with their earnings report on Nov. 9., so watch that closely.  Good Luck and hope you make some money.