solar energy stocks
"Keep your face to the sunlight …" – Helen Keller
No matter where you look, alternative energy is the topic du jour. Driven by economics record high crude oil, attention is shifting to the traditional renewable energy sources, especially solar energy.
But while solar stocks were among the biggest gainers for much of last year, recently the solar power industry has had major successes – with several key leaders such as First Solar (FLSR) SunPower (SPWR) and Evergreen Solar (ESLR) up to 50% off its 52 weeks.
To find out what's happening with solar and other renewable energy sources, which recently surveyed 182 respondents working directly in the alternative of the energy industry.
Solar Leads – Solar energy continues to show the most dynamic of all sectors of alternative energy, according industry respondents. Not only has shown strong gains since our previous survey in February 2007, but also leads in each of the following areas:
* The majority of rapid economic growth – last 12 months: When asked which alternative energy sector has experienced the fastest growth over the past year, solar energy (49%) topped the list – a whopping 14-pts since our previous survey in February. In comparison, biomass – including biofuels and bio-products – was 41%.
* The majority of rapid economic growth – next 12-24 months: In the future, respondents see solar energy (58% to 20-pts) as experiencing the fastest growth in the industry for the next two years.
* Most Momentum – Next 5 Years: Over the long term, solar energy also retains its strength, 31% of respondents (up 5-pts) say it is the sector at the top for the next five years.
In short, solar energy is all the other major categories of energy alternative in terms of rapid economic growth. Solar energy is also seen as experiencing the greatest advances of technology (27%, up to 2 points). But perhaps most importantly, solar cells are expected to be affordable enough to achieve a competitive return on investment within seven years (in 2015).
"Demand for solar cells is certainly robust, the price of oil tends to higher education, and tax credits Sun is likely to expand, "according to ChangeWave Analyst Josh Levine. The forces are lining up exceptionally well for the solar industry. is the right time to investors exposed to the sun and solar by investing in stocks.
According to solar industry experts, industry growth is being driven toward forward by global photovoltaics manufacturers like First Solar (FSLR), SunPower Corp. (SPWR) and Suntech Power Holdings (STP) – companies that have developed models superior business and project management experience.
Levine added that the next big challenge for the solar industry is the expansion of production facilities for mass production of gigawatt level. "The next generation of leaders will be those companies that are best equipped to exploit the latest innovations in materials research through manufacturing expertise, "he said.
Clearly, solar energy has the momentum the latest ChangeWave survey. We will continue the monitoring of solar and other traditional energy sources alternative energy industry for new opportunities in 2008.
Alternative-Energy Stocks Go Mainstream
