PV Gap

Rosemary Said:

what are some good stock symbols for solar power and wind power that are less than 10 dollars?

We Answered:

Unfortunately I don't know of any with those price parameters anymore. You asked too late.

TIMNF is now close to a $20 US stock. 4 months ago it was around $5 US. Timminco is the lowest cost producer of solar grade silicon metal/components. 2009 estimates for the company are $2.20 EPS. Another positive for the stock is you likely will realize currency gains with it as it is a Canadian company. I think the stock still has a decent upside if the estimates prove true but most of the easy gains with it have been made. The stock has appreciated from 25 cents a year ago.

ASYS is another company that you could research but it is now $14+ per share and there is more risk as it competes with the likes of Applied Materials and is reliant upon infrastructure spending within the solar industry which is not necessarily a given. The problem why I don't recommend Applied Materials is their solar business is not a big contributor to their bottom line and is unlikely to make a huge impact given their other markets.

Curtis Said:

Are these good stocks???

We Answered:

They will probably be good in the long run, but I wouldn't expect any quick increases. We will have to convert to something else soon, just make sure the solar power company you're investing in at least knows how to conduct itself (has good financial records, is consistent, etc).

Along your lines of thinking, I was considering something like corn commodities (because of its possible increased demand as a result of us using it as fuel).

Herman Said:

what are some good solar, wind, and hydroelectric power stocks?

We Answered:

STP world leader in solar panel.

Jerome Said:

Will SunTech Power and other Solar stocks go lower?

We Answered:

With oil below $100 solar stocks are not the bargains they once were. However, China does subsidize solar I think. I do not know if STP or the other will go lower or not. We have had a pretty good rally and there is a decent chance that it will consolidate soon (go lower). China is not directly tied to the U S markets and Chinese stocks have been outperforming US stocks for a while. I might suggest TDF or CHN as a possibility. They are two closed end funds that invest in Chinese companies. I do not know if they hold any STP or other solar stocks however.

If you are hot to buy STP, then go ahead and take a position. If you do not and it goes to $25 you will be kicking yourself for some time to come. I know. I do own both STP and TSL which regrettably I purchased at somewhat higher prices. Both are somewhat volatile.

Patricia Said:

What types of stocks are soaring right now???

We Answered:

According to an article published by Harper's magazine, we have passed an Internet bubble, we are on the down side of a housing bubble, and we are about to see an acceleration of green industries (the up side of an economic bubble).

It makes sense because the cost of oil will continue to escallate as demand from China and other developing countries increase and as world oil production continues to flatten and even drop because of the lack of capacity and accessible oil.

I'd look at a number of investments in wind power, hydroelectric, PV, and others. The government will step in with price guarantees to jump start this economic sector. Many of the solar panel companies are in Germany because of their excellent government programs.

You might look for companies that provide thermal hot water heating for homes and businesses, because 30% of the electric heating costs go toward heating water. These companies capture solar energy in the form of heat rather than using solar cells (which at best are about 15% efficient).

You might look for local service companies that offer this product since it is labor intensive and requires local labor.