alternative energy at a glance

SunPower (SPWR) has emerged as the strongest of the US companies, the "blue chip" if you will. The market will rally around it precisely because it will symbolize hope for the future of US economy. It's parent company, Cypress Semiconductor (CY) is slowly reaping benefits by association.

The Chinese factor: with the 2008 Olympics around the corner, China is trying very hard to not only show the world its economic power, but also that it is developing "green" technology. I say this is a good thing. If China and the US have a solar duel, it is good for both countries.

That being said, SunTech Power (STP) is their SPWR.

In both the US and China, upstarts are scrambling to become "the competition". Over here, it looks like First Solar (FSLR) is well-positioned, and in China, Trina (TSL) currently holds the number two spot.

Then there are numerous smaller companies that may or may not rise with the tide: Massachusetts-based Evergreen Solar (ESLR), upstate New York-based DayStar Technologies (DSTI), Hawaii-based Hoku Scientific (HOKU), Chinese-based SolarFun (SOLF) and many, many others.

If wind energy is your thing, look into Zoltek (ZOLT). Also interesting is ENER, the Michigan-based company featured in "Who Killed the Electric Car" that both perfected batteries for EV's and hybrids AND develops solar systems.