PV Gap

Leo Said:

When liberals want to give tax credits to alternative energy companies aren't they being hypocritical?

We Answered:

To them it's only hypocritical if it doesn't follow their own agenda. Just wait and see though..... Right now they're applauding T.Boone Pickens, a multi-billionaire who will make mega profits on wind power since he has a vested interest. How long will it be before they demand 99% of his profits because he's 'unfair'?

Nicholas Said:

Where can I find a website that give me information about alternative energy companies?

We Answered:

There is a magazine called Mother Earth News. www.motherearthnews.com/Alternative-Ener…
I hope this helps

Thelma Said:

What's the reason to subsidize alternative energy companies?

We Answered:

Your question is essentially one that should be taken up as a question of economics and not the nuts and bolts of "alternate fuel vehicles."

There are several reasons. One already mentioned is that most energy companies already get subsidies. But these are larger than the obvious grants and discounts, (credits on taxes.) In economics there is a concept of "externalities." 1 Polution is cited as a prime example of an externality. It is part of the manufacturing/refining process but the cost of polution is not figured into the end product. (health issues, the costs of clean ups and filtration.) When I go out and buy an air filter I am to some extent paying for someone's polution. The water treatment plant is a cost that taxpayers bear for polution that has been done upstream.

To the extent that some alternative energy options do not produce externalities they are being asked to compete against an unfair advantage. Subsidies attempt to level the playing field.

There is another aspect as well. To the extent that alternative energy development is a social benefit it may be something that we should socially promote ie: subsidies.

Last, any new company will have difficulties competing with an existing company where economies of scale, and product identification 2 are already in place.

Sometimes it is difficult to put a number on some of these costs/benefits. The alternative may be to start taxing companies for the polution that they produce and eliminating any subsidies that they currently get. Undoubtedly someone would complain when an existing benefit is taken away. Business as usual is hard to change.

Clifton Said:

if obama wins what will be the best alternative feul energy companies to invest in?

We Answered:

FSLR (solar), CLNE (natural gas), Vestas (wind), GE (wind), CPST (wind), OPTT (wave), geothermal (no company i have researched) ---NOTE: Stocks are at extremely low levels...if you want a speculative play such as this...the prices are currently attractive...but always account for a new bottom of the market by scaling in your investment.

I don't particularly believe in any specific biofuel company because I do not feel the technology will develop fully. Ethanol will have a similar fate.

If you have heard of T. Boone Pickens, I believe he owns shares of CLNE. But he has realized a loss thus far.

Until their is a fuel cell able to fully power a vehicle/hydrogen cars I do not believe we as Americans will switch from Oil. Especially at the current prices of crude. I do believe it will be much more likely we change our current infrastructure to provide more renewable sources of fuel for electricity rather than cars. Therefore reducing dependence on foreign oil. Only using oil in the future to power cars. See Picken's Plan.

If you have any good ones let me know.

Just my opinion from following "green" stocks for the past 6 months.

Keith Said:

Any links to Alternative Energy companies?

We Answered:

Go to the link. It's several hundred manufacturers and suppliers.

Links to Alternative Energy Web Sites
Updated: November 21, 2007

Michele Said:

Are there any companies that specialize in alternative energy design?

We Answered:

Can you be more specific?

There are ways to hide solar panels so they look like a nice high end metal roof.

Is that what you mean?