Top 5 Solar Stocks by Market Cap
Solar investing has been a highly contended subject for many years now. Some feel that it is a strong allocation for a long-term portfolio as the growth in the alternative energy world offers some enticing opportunities. Others need only point to the historically abysmal returns of the majority of these securities to justify their reasoning for avoidance. For those who do feel that solar is a good long term play, or are at least interested in researching further into this energy source, we outline the five biggest solar companies by market cap [for more solar news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
How a President Romney Could Destroy Alternative Energy Investing
For the next two months, all anyone will be talking about is who will win the November election and how that will impact our nation. From our economic standing to our energy policy, each presidential candidate offers a different plan for how they plan to move forward. One investing segment that is of particular interest is that of alternative energy as the Republican and Democratic parties have very opposing views and policies for green energy. The biggest question that alternative energy investors are asking is whether or not a Mitt Romney presidency will mean troubled times for this green sector [for more alternative energy news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
Why Alternative Energy Will Never Become Widespread (In Our Lifetime)
It has been an argument that has caught fire in recent years; whether or not countries around the world should make the switch to clean energy. There are two very opposed sides, as big oil has such a prominent impact on the global economy though environmentalists have been quick to point out their destruction of the surrounding environment. But while small strides have been made in recent decades, the fact is, alternative energy is still a minute portion of our energy production [see also 25 Ways To Invest In Alternative Energy].
Why The Solar ETF (KWT) Is Up 1,400% Today
No, you did not misread that headline. The Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF (KWT) is in fact up a whopping 1,425% on the day. But the reason why is not quite as glamorous as solar investors were hoping. The fund underwent a reverse 1-for-15 stock split today as its share price has been plummeting for well over a year now. “The solar ETF was down 74% for the year ended June 28, according to Morningstar” writes Tom Lydon. The fund has just $9.4 million in assets and has been struggling alongside the solar industry in the past year. KWT had lost over 29% in 2012 though it was still able to maintain a decent dividend yield (which will likely change given the massive split) [see also 25 Ways To Invest In Alternative Energy].
Solar ETFs Flare Up In 2012
With natural gas prices sinking to historical lows and crude oil futures whip-lashing amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, many are turning to alternative energy investments in search of lucrative returns [see 25 Ways To Invest In Alternative Energy]. Solar energy in particular, which is often times associated with rampant volatility, has actually caught the attention of many investors in 2012 thanks to impressive performances out of this corner of the market.
The Best Way To Invest In Solar Energy
As demand for alternative energy has soared in recent years so too has investor interest. Solar energy, while one of the youngest energy sources on the market, has quickly become a popular holding for investors of all kinds. The underlying thesis is appealing; solar has grown an average of 39% in each of the last ten years and is by far the fastest-growing energy source in the world. Despite its 73% expansion in 2010, solar is still relatively unexplored and accounts for a very small part of energy consumption across the world. But plans to expand the industry and new innovations make it one of the most enticing growth opportunities currently available [see also 25 Ways To Invest In Alternative Energy].
25 Ways To Invest In Alternative Energy
Alternative energy investing has surged in popularity in recent years as our world has felt the effects of basing the majority of our economy off of a finite resource. Though crude oil and other fossil fuels will last us for the foreseeable future, there will come a time when our energy consumption will have to look to alternative, renewable resources. The investment thesis behind any of the several alternative energies can be thought of as a play against crude oil, or as one of a natural evolution that we will have to face sooner or later. The timeline for our fossil fuel addiction running dry varies across the board, but it is generally accepted that this issue won’t come to fruition anytime soon [see also Major Countries Burn Up Crude Reserves: Big Oil In Trouble?].
The Ultimate Guide To Solar Power Investing
Solar power is an increasingly popular energy source as well as an investment option. The growing industry has led to a rapid adoption by citizens, businesses, and governments to incorporate solar panels on everything from parking meters to bridges. There are a wide variety of panels meant for small homes and businesses as well as entire grids and large buildings. As the industry continues to blossom, the cost of producing the panels has dramatically decreased and over the coming years is predicted to dip even more, perhaps making it a viable alternative to cheaper fossil fuels like crude oil and natural gas [see also Three Things Wall Street Journal Didn’t Tell You About Commodities].
