Alternative energy funds, anyone? Have some retirement funds to

[efhmc]

invest and I can go either with mutual funds or individual stocks. My research on funds seem to lump the alternative energy companies with other very large evil energy companies. I am web researching. However, DU always has people with lots of good info so I thought I try here also. Thank you.

[TheDonkey]

1. PBW is a good start. It's a clean energy ETF

Another DUer mentioned this in another thread and I looked into it. Seems very impressive but has a small track record. When dealing with alternative fuels it is VERY risky so I wouldn't put too much into any alternative fuel stock. Especially if this is for retirement it is good to diversify with safer stocks and bonds.

Also look into the holding's of ETF. An ETF is just a collection of stocks so if you go to PowerShares website and see what those stocks are.

Here is an interesting website about alternative fuels that mostly specualtes about fuel cells but these are all RISKY very very risky haha. sorry i can't be of more help

http://www.altenergystocks.com/archives/2005/03/

Some well known green stocks I've heard of are Evergreen Solar (ESLR) and popular fuel cell maker (PLUG).

[MsTryska]

2. hee hee...i think that was me....

because I was gonna recommend it again. (PBW)

[MazeRat7]

3. Here are my holding for an idea of what is out there.

XSNX - SunX - developing transparent/semi-transparent "Solar Glass" for use in buildings (OTC stock)
ESLR - Evergreen Solar - Sell basic silicon based solar panels
SPWR - SunPower Corp. - Recent IPO (Subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor)
STP - Suntech Power Holdings - Recent IPO. Chinese company w/ global ambitions
DSTI - DayStar Technologies (Silicon Free Solar Film)


Disclaimer: This is not an endorsement or recommendation to buy these stocks. There is risk and I am only attempting to show which solar based alternative energy firms I currently hold positions with so that you can do more research on your own.

MZr7

[NashVegas]

4. Those Large Evil Companies

Are always going to do well, failing a revolution or Ford/GM-like mentalities. They like making money in the energy sector, and if alternative energy is where the money is to be made in the future, they'll want to own that, too.