Following the collapse of the California-based solar company Solyndra, investing in renewable energy like solar power may be the last thing on most investors’ minds. All this fiasco proved was that not even the government is above and beyond making risky investments, and the reality is that other government-subsidized solar companies are thriving. Consumers around the world are demanding clean energy and a break from the fragile energy structure on which we currently rely. Despite this one company going into bankruptcy after receiving government support, thriving companies like the highly-established First Solar (FSLR) have plenty of shares on the market.

Investing in renewable energy like solar comes with risk because this kind of technology is still in its infancy. Investors, as with any endeavor, should be prepared to lose investments. Some companies that both novice and experienced investors may consider are DayStar (DSTI), General Electric (GE), Honeywell (HON), Westinghouse Solar (WEST), Ocean Power (OPTT), and MEMC Electronic (WFR). Research these companies carefully before deciding which one in which you want to invest. The reality is that demand for solar power is only expected to increase, so now could prove to be the ideal time to jump on board.

Solar panels have been available in some form or another for decades, but they were unrealistic to buy due to extremely high costs and complex maintenance. Modern companies have taken this tried and true technology and made it more user-friendly, so to speak. Residential solar models and widespread solar maintenance and installation companies are making it easier for any individual to add solar technology to his or her home. In fact, the solar power purchase agreement has freed homeowners from paying as much as $24,000 in installation and maintenance costs, not to mention the tax breaks that come along with installing the technology.

Although solar power has been around for many years, it’s only just becoming the sensible choice for homeowners and businesses. Residential solar power is slated to become the cheapest, cleanest form of power, at least until something better comes along, so alternative energy companies will constantly look for ways on which to improve current models and make the technology even more affordable to consumers. Some investors will also appreciate the feeling that they are contributing to a brighter, cleaner tomorrow by investing money in alternative energies today. With the possibility of reaching peak oil looming, it’s safe to say that alternative energy is the investment of the future.

On March 14, 2012 By Richard Wilson

Practice Test

Investing in Solar Power – Changes in Production Costs Point to Industry Growth

With government agencies, corporations, and individuals alike looking for new forms of sustainable energy, solar power is an old trend that is resurfacing with a vengeance. The first solar power technology was developed in the 1860’s, but this was brushed aside with the turn to coal and petroleum as new energy sources. The next time that a global interest was taken in this form of energy was in the 1970’s, when wars in the Middle East pushed up oil prices. This reawakened the belief that some form of alternative energy was needed. Those who are interested in cashing in on this growth industry may want to think about investing in solar power.

Solar and wind power currently compete with fossil fuels, but as the prices of both are approaching the point of becoming equal, investing in solar power becomes a more viable option. This is already the case in places such as Hawaii, with an abundance of sun. A combination of technology and cheaper equipment mean that this equality of energy prices is set to occur in more and more locations, which will make the solar power industry a more worthwhile investment.

Solar panels already cost half of what they did only three years ago, meaning that more consumers and businesses can afford to put the panels in place. They provide power at the point of the day with the most intense heat, which means they can run air conditioning in the most sustainable way. A traditional power grid, on the other hand, can crack and shut down under the pressure of everyone running their air conditioning at the same time. Factors such as convenience and cost make investing in solar power a worthwhile idea. With mass production improving and costs of this production becoming lower, cheaper solar energy is expected to become more prevalent in the years to come.

The problem with investing in solar power in the past was that it was seen as more of a niche industry for those interested in saving the planet through green energy. Yet as costs fall and solar power becomes just as cost-effective as fossil fuels, more and more investors will turn to it simply as a form of cheap energy, regardless of its sustainable properties. This makes it a stable investment for the future, according to most economists. It’s best to carefully research solar power businesses and providers before making any investments, to determine your best options.

On March 13, 2012 By Richard Wilson

Practice Test

Investing in Solar Power – The Potential of Solar Power

When it comes to renewable energy sources, investing in solar power can sometimes show more potential than wind or water power. The reason that people are investing in solar power is because the United States federal government has made solar power one of its initiatives to help rebuild the American infrastructure. When the government announced that it will be investing in solar power, then that got other people interested. One of the advantages that solar power has over wind power is that solar power can be a bit more portable and scalable that wind power. Some of the applications being worked on for solar power would be extremely difficult to achieve using windmills or water dams.

Homeowners have been investing in solar power for years because it is a convenient way to supplement their energy needs for little to know cost. But even residential solar power shows a need for investing in solar power research. Very few, if any, residential homes use solar power as their only source of energy. In almost every case, solar power is a supplement to energy from the electrical grid. There needs to be more research on maximizing solar power and finding better ways to capture solar energy for later use. In those stretches where there is cloud cover for days on end, solar energy becomes useless. Those issues need to be resolved before solar power becomes a widely accepted energy source.

Solar power does have the potential to be portable, and that is why vehicle manufacturers are investing in solar power research to try and find ways to get solar power on the road. It may sound like the plot of a science fiction movie, but solar powered cars, buses, trucks, boats and motorcycles are all being worked on. Vehicle manufacturers are all investing in solar power because it shows potential to be the renewable energy source of the future.

The main thrust of solar power research is spent on capturing and enhancing solar energy to make it more of a reliable energy source. Investing in solar power means investing in solar power research to help make this something that can be reliably used in the future as a primary energy source. But to get solar power to that point is going to require years of research. The investors that get involved now will enjoy the financial rewards when solar power is ready for general consumption, and they will have helped to solve a major energy question that mankind has been asking for years.

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Investing in Renewable Energy – Solar Power

Investing in Solar Power – Changes in Production Costs Point to Industry Growth

Investing in Solar Power – The Potential of Solar Power

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