VSD

Three Reasons Solar Sell-off May Be in Early Innings

Why do we believe Obama will subsidize solar? He has said he would allocate money for research into alt-energy.

The simple reason Solar is not taking off at the utlities is it requires subsidies from the state. NatGas at $7 is much more efficient and cheap alternative for power generation.

Solar Breaks Oil Price Dependence

These stocks are trading on technicals and not fundamentals. I would trade and not invest in these stocks.

Lehman: Solars FSLR and ESLR Have Bright Future

Environmental effects of solar are not yet studied. Most solar projects are proof of concept. To make any reliable forecast on solar, the model has to include utilities. The jury is still out on solar.

As Intel Joins the Solar Sector, Is There Room for Everyone?

The bigger question is if Solar is going to win as the alternative fuel of choice. That is not a foregone conclusion yet. Solar energy replaces Natural Gas generated Electricity and Coal. It does not replace Oil. As such it is a not a alternate energy technology but a "clean feul" technology.

It would be very foolish to not use the abundant coal that we already have. Clean coal technologies are better alternatives to Solar.

Also, without utilities signing on to Solar in a big way there won't be the market that can support 36 (and counting) solar companies. The decision for utilities is always a political one. We would have to wait until after the elections to know if utilities will adopt solar. If you look at who runs utilities you will notice they have vested interest in nat gas and coal. They are not going to just abandon it and move to solar.

Today's solar market is mainly europe and mainly residential and subsidized through FITs. Without US adopting solar at the utility level, this technology is not going to take off. So to answer your question, I don't yet think there is a market there even for JUST intel.

Which Are the Bargains In Solar Stocks?

Solar is not driven purely by economic forces. There is a whole subsidy angle; not to mention local angle. Utilities will buy more solar products from local manufacturers and they will only convert to solar grid if their local govts. will subsidize.

I do not think P/E or any other multiple will reflect this complication. It also means there will never be a monopoly in solar industry which might be a good thing.

Will LDK's New Company Create Competition for First Solar?

Thin film cannot be used to make solar farms like silicon based cells can. Think of thin films as shingles on the house while silicon as concrete on the terrace of a building.

How Much are You Willing to Pay for First Solar's Growth?

It rose from 200 to 300 on pure expectations. It will need to revisit 200 to pick up new investors.