Nick Hodge - Angel Publishing

Lithium-Ion Battery Stocks

Fix your eyes for 5 seconds on the performance of these battery stocks:

Need I say more?

It's not even Thanksgiving yet. . . and some of these stocks have tripled since Easter.

The Billion-Dollar Battery Backbone

Here's why you need to be investing in the hottest sector on the market. . .

Clean Energy

In the past few years, the capacity of solar and wind energy has absolutely exploded. And related stocks have followed suit.

Here's the thing: The sun doesn't always shine. And the wind doesn't always blow.

But when the sun is shining. . . and the wind is blowing. . . we can't use all the electricity these sources produce.

Batteries have emerged as the solution to this problem. Utilities from Shenzhen to Seattle are increasingly using batteries to store this excess clean power so that it can be used at times of high demand.

And it's been estimated that if, over the next decade, just 1% of energy storage demand is met, the industry will be worth at least $600 billion — most of which will end up on the balance sheets of battery technology companies.

Hybrid Cars

It's now largely accepted that the future of personal transportation is electric.

The Prius and the Volt are already media whores. . . and interest is growing in the Nissan Leaf, Fisker, and Tesla.

As this happens, batteries will consistently be replacing internal combustion engines. And battery manufacturers stand to make a killing.

Surely you remember the recent mega-interest in the IPO of A123 Systems (NASDAQ: AONE), the MIT battery spin-off company. It surged nearly 40% in its first week of trading.

Smart investors see the writing on the wall.

The Stimulus

Like it or not, the federal government is doling out billions of your tax dollars to further the development of advanced batteries.

This "free" money — in the form of grants and tax breaks — is giving a boost to the companies that manufacture those batteries.

Just take a look at some of the awards given already:

Johnson Controls — $299.2 million for the production of nickel-cobalt-metal battery cells, packs, and battery separators.
A123 Systems — $249.1 million for the manufacturing of nano-iron phosphate cathode powder, electrode coatings, fabrication of battery cells and modules, and assembly of complete battery pack systems.
KD ABG MI, LLC — $161 million for the production of manganese oxide cathode/graphite lithium-ion batteries.
EnerDel, Inc. — $118.5 million for the production of lithium-ion cells and packs.
General Motors Corporation — $105.9 million for the production of high-volume battery packs for the GM Volt.
Saft America, Inc. — $95.5 million for the production of lithium-ion cells, modules, and battery packs for industrial and agricultural vehicles and defense application markets.

The list goes keeps going and going and going. . .

Charging Your Portfolio

Investors have surely taken notice of this trident battery bullishness.

As you saw above, some of these stocks have surged more than 300% — just since March.

But it's not too late to climb aboard the battery bandwagon.

In fact, I've just put together a new report that details the best battery stock you can own now — and for the next five years.

It's a small Chinese outfit that already counts revolutionizing the lithium-ion battery in its list of successes.

The first time I told readers about it, the stock quickly spiked nearly 600%.

But the stock is gearing up for another run, backed this time by none other than the Oracle himself.

The company is going to quickly corner the lithium-ion battery market. . . and it's a steal at its current price.

To read all about the stock — and how you can get in before the next 600% run — click here.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

P.S. This tiny $10 company is about to become largest, most profitable battery company in the world. But its future wasn't always so bright. To learn more about its rags-to-riches story. . . and how you can get in on the "riches" part, click here.

Bullish News for Cleantech and the Smart Grid

Welcome to Green Chip Review's Weekend Edition — our insights from the week in everything renewable and cleantech, as well as links to our most-read Green Chip Review and sister publication articles.

It was yet another good week for cleantech, with bullish news coming from both the financial and political realms.

Here's what went down. . .

On Tuesday, the President made the largest single Recovery Act announcement to date, dedicating $3.4 billion to further advancing smart grid development. The money — paid in grants of up to $200 million each — will go to pay for as many as 18 million smart meters across the country.

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That announcement sent many smart grid stocks to one-day, double-digit gains. It also foreshadowed great earnings in the same sector. . .

Seemingly on cue, Enersys (NYSE: ENS), Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI), and American Superconductor (NASDAQ: AMSC) all released positive earnings reports this week. The latter climbed over 20% in one day!

(As an aside, I've closed one of those stocks for profit in the Alternative Energy Speculator, and the other two are still open.)

And the good news didn't stop there, as cleantech continued to prove it can combat recession, create jobs, and stoke portfolios. . .

German solar firm SMA Solar Technology announced it is opening a $22 million factory in Colorado. Fisker Automotive announced plans for spending $528 million to overhaul an automotive manufacturing plant it bought from the now-bankrupt GM as part of a stimulus-funded deal.

In fact, the results of cleantech funding have been so fruitful that Obama signed another spending bill into law this week — a bill that will push another $33.5 billion into everything from solar research to energy efficiency and flood control.

Just hours later, Obama's signing was followed by a Reuters report stating that solar executives from Suntech, Sharp, and BP are "bullish on 2010." According to the report, "Executives cited various forces that could drive growth in 2010, including U.S. stimulus funds for green projects, extended tax incentives and new financing."

Of course, we'll be ready to capitalize on that bullishness as it plays out.

In the meantime, you can catch up on the rest of the week's top-read stories from Green Chip and our sister publications below.

Enjoy your weekend,

Nick

What are Global Acres?: Global Acres & Ecological Footprints
Green Chip Contributing Editor Emily Rutan defines global acres for readers and discusses what our total world ecological footprint means for the planet's biocapacity.

Solar Rights: A Solar Bill of Rights
Green Chip's Jeff Siegel reports on the Solar Power International Conference this week, as the Solar Energy Industries Association details a "Solar Bill of Rights."

Smart Grid Investments: A Smart Grid Recap for Investors
Energy & Capital Editor Nick Hodge discusses smart grid investments by compiling his recent works on the subject.

Super Start-Ups: Get In Now on this $297-billion- a-year Market
Tech giants like Cisco Systems and Google will share billions of gov't stimulus dollars and make tens of billions in profit as the smart grid develops. . . but the real money is in start-up companies. There's still profit to be had in these super start-ups. . . if you act soon.

Solar Energy Stocks: The Truth about Solar
Editor Nick Hodge discusses solar energy stocks, including the rampant misinformation disseminated about the sector.

Veolia Environnement Stock: French Company's Water and Transit Projects Boost the Big Easy
Editor Sam Hopkins reports from New Orleans on the city's continuing Katrina recovery efforts and the French company being paid to finally get the job done.

23 Energy Companies You Should Know About: Share Prices to Pop from Gov't Slush-fund Boost
Knowing how much funding each company gets — and when — will be worth its weight in gold. We'll share with you this little-known list of companies in line to receive big dollars, and how you can profit from their government funding.

Smart Grid Development: $3.4 Billion for Smart Grid Development
Editor Jeff Siegel discusses the government's plans to award $3.4 billion in grants for smart grid development, and billions more in private investment dollars that will also go to the awarded companies.

Smart Grid Investments

As you may know, the smart grid made big news yesterday.

But you may not know that I've been covering the topic of smart grid — and all its investment angles — in these pages for years.

I'll get to yesterday's major announcement below. . .

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First, I've compiled a fictional interview to help you get acquainted with the smart grid — and its huge investment potential. The interview answers are all taken directly from articles I've previously written on the topic.

When was the first time you told Energy & Capital readers about the smart grid?

I first wrote about the smart grid back in May 2007 — well over two years ago. It had come to my attention that venture funding — the early, smart money — for the smart grid had grown 150% between 2004 and 2006. . . so I knew public equities in the sector would be hot soon.

Here's what I had to say then:

We're now at a critical point in the short history of sustainably-produced electricity. As it stands, we have the technology to produce electricity from wind, solar, geothermal, marine, and other well-known sources. And Green Chip investors have been profiting from them for quite some time now.

But what we're lacking are solutions for storing that electricity, for converting it, and for seamlessly introducing it to local grids—all without power interruptions and failures during peak load hours.

Of course there's money to be made on the transmission side of this issue. But I think the efficiency side will bring even greater returns.

You see, one proposed solution is the development of a "smart grid", which would enable energy-draining appliances to adjust their power consumption based on the daily fluctuations of electricity prices.

And what is the simplest way to describe the smart grid?

I've often described the smart grid as "the Internet for energy." A network of smart devices — meters, appliances, thermostats — all communicating with each other and with the utility in an effort to optimize efficiency and reduce costs.

This summer I told readers it was like the future they've been waiting for. . .

. . . Home thermostats and individual appliances that adjust automatically based on the cost of power, and water heaters that can draw power from a neighbor's rooftop solar panel. They see a time when, on a scorching hot day, a plug-in hybrid electric car charges one minute and a few moments later sends electricity back into the grid to help avert a brownout.

Also coming are utilities that get instant feedback on a transformer outage or shift easily among energy sources from wind turbines to coal-burning power plants and back to the turbines when the wind begins to blow again.

And, from miles away, power companies will peer into homes and businesses, then automatically lower thermostats or adjust power use, depending on demand and prearranged agreements.

What is the investment/market potential of the smart grid?

Earlier this year I passed along an AP article that stated:

$700 billion in new electricity generation will be needed over the next 20 years.

Overall transmission modernization, including new higher capacity lines along with the communications technology, could cost as much as $1 trillion. A promise of $4.5 billion in economic recovery money for smart grid development, much of it going to help pay for installing new meters, has produced a rush by utilities and technology companies to start or accelerate projects.

And it's all starting to come together right now.

What are the latest developments?

You probably heard the big news yesterday. Here's how I described it:

Today is the day the Department of Energy announced $3.4 billion worth of federal funding to "speed deployment of advanced technology designed to cut energy use and make the electric-power grid more robust."

In laymen's terms: the Federal government is paying for about 18 million new smart meters to be installed in homes and offices around the country.

The grants are part of the stimulus. . . and will be paid out to 100 utilities across the country in spurts ranging from $400,000 to $200 million.

For investors and consumers alike, this is the equivalent of receiving free money.

Where can investors learn more about the smart grid?

First of all, there are plenty of events coming up to learn more about the smart grid.

I'm heading to GreenBeat next month, self-described as the seminal conference on the Smart Grid, bringing together leading entrepreneurs, investors, utilities, technology executives, and policymakers to accelerate the development of a leaner, more efficient electrical grid.

I've also compiled a new report detailing how investors can profit from the smart grid. . . and the billions of dollars being poured into its development by public and private entities.

Remember, just yesterday the federal government dropped $3.4 billion to buy millions of new smart meters. All that money will be paid to companies operating within the smart grid realm, which means easy profits for investors.

This new report has all the details about smart grid investing.

Of course, I'll be covering the smart grid — as I have been for years — in these pages, and in the pages of our sister publications, Wealth Daily and Green Chip Stocks.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

Solar Energy Stocks

For some, investing in solar stocks over the past six months has delivered once-in-a-life-time results:

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At stake: a global market worth $45 trillion.

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Others haven't had it so good:

Indeed, playing cleantech's franchise player has proven to be a tough gig.

On one hand, you have a small group of Chinese companies on the brink of doubling or tripling in just two quarters.

On the other. . . a wild roller-coaster ride has ended as it usually does, back at the starting gate.

But what's stoking such discrepancies in a group of stocks that are so closely related?

A Lack of Solar Education

I'm convinced the reason for such volatility and variance is a lack of solar understanding and education that is worsened by constant misinformation from the media.

For the second group of solar stocks above, a downtrend since June doesn't make much sense at all. Granted, the summer months were sluggish. . . but there was a significant uptick in sales during August and September, with demand exceeding supply for several major producers.

That increase in demand should have acted as a bullish signal for major module producers and cell manufacturers.

Instead, it was the so-called second tier suppliers, like Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL), that saw a major jump.

That surge in demand should continue, buoyed by an already-passed 1 GW Chinese solar subsidy and new tax advantages included in the U.S. stimulus. An additional 1 GW subsidy could be passed by the central Chinese government in coming months.

What's more, that same increase in demand is allowing installers and distributors to mark up prices for panels, which could lead to higher average selling prices (ASPs) for suppliers down the road.

And finally, this increase in demand should bump up fourth quarter shipments just enough to beat expectations, which always leads to higher valuations.

This is probably all new information to you. And that's part of the problem. . .

Because you don't always get the full story by reading mainstream news and press releases. Consider these recent headlines from Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and the like:

"Glut Feeling: Solar Power's Got Too Much of a Good Thing"
"Solar Panel Glut Will Scorch Small Players"
"Watch Out: Solar Stocks Might Sink"
"Supply Glut Will Put the Heat on Solar Stocks"

With stories like these being pushed by stalwart financial news agencies in the face of contrary data. . . is it any wonder that investing in solar stocks has been a crapshoot?

Finding the Solar Truth

Perhaps the most revealing example is this gem of headline, run in some form by Bloomberg and many others: "German Solar Subsidies Face 'Enormous' Cut."

An 'enormous' subsidy cut in the world's largest solar market would be enough to make any investor shy away from the sector. . .

But it wasn't true.

After the story had been picked up by countless news agencies — even the AP ran it — and spooked countless investors. . . Reuters ran a piece entitled, "New German Government Won't Slash Solar Power Rates: Source." And, as they often do with controversial or misreported topics, they ran a factbox to clear everything up.

Now, if you were getting your solar information from me. . .

I would've told you from the beginning that the German solar subsidy would not be cut this year or next. And, even if it is cut in 2011, that would only lead to increased sales in 2009 and 2011 — ahead of any subsidy changes.

With respect to a solar glut. . . I've been saying that it's a possibility, but that any oversupply could be absorbed by global stimulus-funded projects. Increasing volume, even slightly, can be enough to maintain profitable margins.

A recent joint announcement by First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) and the Chinese government that they're building a 2 GW solar power plant is clear proof of that.

This is the problem with most financial news: There's no nuance. It's either black or white — bull or bear.

Hell might freeze over if they were bullish with caution or bearish with a silver lining.

Here at Green Chip, we take a different angle. We want to make money as much as you do. And only telling one side of the story doesn't contribute to that end.

Instead of telling you a "Supply Glut Will Put the Heat on Solar Stocks," I've been warning against a potential oversupply, while still highlighting the best investment opportunities and maintaining a bullish outlook.

I'm not saying to dismiss other news agencies and websites. I'm simply suggesting you make sure to get the entire story — every time.

Not doing so could mean missing a great investment opportunity. . . such as the six-month ~200% runs by Canadian Solar and Trina Solar.

But you wouldn't have wanted to invest in them. . . there was a massive solar glut at the time, right?

Call it like you see it,

Nick

P.S. After writing this article, I came across a new article on Barron's about the German solar subsidies. Direct quote: "The agreement does not call for immediate cuts in the so-called feed-in tariff for solar projects." Maybe they're learning.

P.P.S. I've been using this straightforward approach to lead investors to cleantech profits time and time again. . . no matter what the other outlets are claiming. I've closed 45 winners this year, including several solar stocks at a time when there was supposedly a "glut." If you're tired of the spin, and just want profitable investment information, this approach is definitely for you.

Stimulus Grants

You should've been waiting for this day to come. . .

Because today is the day the Department of Energy announced $3.4 billion worth of federal funding to "speed deployment of advanced technology designed to cut energy use and make the electric-power grid more robust."

In laymen's terms: the Federal government is paying for about 18 million new smart meters to be installed in homes and offices around the country.

The grants are part of the stimulus. . . and will be paid out to 100 utilities across the country in spurts ranging from $400,000 to $200 million.

Like Putting Cash in Your Pocket

For investors and consumers alike, this is the equivalent of receiving free money.

As a consumer. . . you could be the recipient of one of these free smart meters. That would enable you to save hundreds of dollars on your utility bills through better energy understanding and management.

I know I'll be getting one, since my local utility, Baltimore Gas & Electric, has been awarded $200 million.

But it gets even better for investors. . .

You see, the government — by giving money to utilities — is about to purchase billions of dollars' worth of new equipment for the electric grid.

And, thanks to new transparency requirements associated with the stimulus, I've been able to find out exactly which companies will be the beneficiaries.

Now, I shouldn't have to tell you what happens to the stock of companies that receive free government cheese. Be it for lucrative defense contracts or biotech research grants. . . when government funding is announced, stocks fly.

This time, it just happens to be energy's turn. And over the past few months, I've compiled a list of companies certain to receive stimulus payouts.

The investment potential here is massive. Just imagine having a list of companies guaranteed to get government funding. . . along with the exact date on which they'll receive it.

It's the kind of information that can lead to early retirement. So, it goes without saying that I've been keeping it closely guarded.

But now that the Department of Energy has made a formal announcement, I'm giving away the list to all who want to read it.

Simply click here.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

The Debate over Emissions

The debate over emissions is coming clearly into focus ahead of the December COP-15 meeting.

This week at the October meeting of the Business Council (a group of executives from the 120 biggest U.S. businesses), PG&E CEO Peter Darbee was quoted saying:

No one among the group was arguing the science of climate change. That debate, at least in that forum, appears to be over. The discussion was really about, 'climate change is happening, it is a challenge of vast proportions and it will require an effort on the part of mankind to respond to this challenge.'

Support for emissions regulation also resurfaced in Congress this week. . .

Reuters reported, "The White House is encouraged by progress on a climate change bill in the U.S. Senate and is working to advance it even if a December deadline passes."

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Just to recap:

The House passed a climate and energy bill in June. And similar legislation is currently being debated in Senate committee. Senator Barbara Boxer is still claiming she'll have it to the floor by December.

But as I've been saying. . . don't hold your breath. There is still much opposition to regulating emissions. . . even if the opposition is political and partisan.

Senator McCain has been very vocal about his reservations. He was quoted this week saying no progress has been made, while claiming that Democrats are beholden to environmentalists.

I didn't know the CEOs of the 120 largest companies in the U.S. were "environmentalists." I think it's more likely they just want clear policy instead of murky debate.

And the climate debate, in my opinion, couldn't get any murkier. . .

Case in point: The Government Accountability Office this week released a report urging the White House to prepare now for climate change. It called for Congress, along with state and local governments, to "develop a national strategic plan that will guide the nation's efforts to adapt to a changing climate."

On the same day, a Pew poll was released showing "57 percent of Americans see 'solid evidence of warming,' compared to 71 percent in April 2008, and 77 percent in August 2007."

This presents an honest question: How can elected officials be expected to pass a measure to combat a problem that a growing proportion of their constituency believes doesn't exist?

I suggest framing the debate purely in terms of energy. That data set is much less susceptible to manipulation by politicians, special interest groups, and lobbyists.

Of course, whether providing solutions for climate change or for energy independence. . . cleantech comes out a winner.

Expect more on recent solar and electric vehicle developments next week, and catch up on all of this week's coverage below.

Enjoy your weekend,

Nick

Novera Wind Energy: Novera Lands Financing for Wind Project
Green Chip's Jeff Siegel reports on a $59.5 million debt facility for Novera Energy to begin construction of the Glenkerie wind farm in Scotland.

Smart Grid Stocks: The Trillion Dollar Transmission Horse
Energy & Capital Editor Nick Hodge discusses smart grid stocks and the coming $1 trillion investment that will send them higher. . .

Global Warming Research: More Americans Believe Climate Change Has Nothing to Do with Them
Contributing Editor Tom Schueneman offers his take on the latest global warming research.

Solar Thermal Energy Companies: Siemens Acquires Solel for Solar Market Strength
Editor Sam Hopkins points out industrial giant Siemens' recent moves to make itself greener, and how you can profit.

Suntech Solar Reliathon: Suntech Goes Utility-Scale with Reliathon
Editor Jeff Siegel discusses Suntech Power's launch of a new product, Reliathon, in an effort to expand into the U.S. utility-scale solar market.

Where Capital Dollars Go: We've Identified More Than $1 Trillion Being Poured into This Sector
No matter how skeptical people are about the green sector, fact is alternative energy use will double several times over in the next 15-20 years. And we'll share with you our renewable sector stock picks set to skyrocket. . .

Smart Grid Companies: Stocks like EnerNOC Continue to Benefit
Energy and Capital Editor Sam Hopkins highlights the performance of a few select smart grid companies heading into autumn.

Smart Grid Stocks

You need to know about the grid.

It's the endless network of power plants, wires, towers, meters, and software that you've come to rely on, every time you flick a light switch.

And it's closer to failing than you think. . .

Consider this nugget from the American Society of Civil Engineer's (ASCE) most recent infrastructure report card:

The transmission and distribution system has become congested because growth in electricity demand and investment in new generation facilities have not been matched by investment in new transmission facilities. This congestion virtually prohibits outages required for proper maintenance and can lead to system wide failures in the event of unplanned outages.

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System-Wide Failures

Listen, 70 years ago. . . before microwaves, iPods, cell phones, laptops, plasmas, and LCDs. . . only 10% of our energy use went toward producing electricity.

By 1970, that number had grown to 25%.

And today — as I write this on my two-screened computer, with a cell phone in my pocket and a GPS in my bag — the production of electricity requires 40% of America's total energy use.

But capacity is not the problem. . .

As you read in the quote above, distribution is our real problem. We've invested billions in generation, but have lacked with respect to transmission and distribution.

How bad is the discrepancy? Back to the ASCE:

Electricity demand has increased by about 25% since 1990 while construction of transmission facilities decreased by about 30 percent.

If we continue on our current path. . . there will come a day when you flick the switch and the light does not turn on. But it won't be a case of a burned-out bulb — it'll be a system-wide failure.

The Trillion Dollar Horse

As you know, the past 40 years have been all about energy production. We've built nukes; we've built coal plants. We've built giant dams.

More recently, we've deployed thousands of megawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal in an effort to go green.

And all that stuff is great.

But it seems now that we may have been putting the energy horse in front of the distribution cart.

Think of it like this:

In the Midwest, there are dozens of wind farms turning out several gigawatts of electricity. But in New York City. . . there are no wind farms.

Which location uses more energy and has a much denser population?

If you can understand that. . . you can understand the problems facing our current grid. The large generation sources — wind farms, nuclear plants, coal plants — are mostly located far from where most of the energy is needed.

And it gets worse. . .

Not only do we have inadequate transmission capabilities for a growing nation. . . what we do have is nearing the end of its useful life.

Again, to the ASCE:

Because the existing transmission system was not designed to meet present demand, daily transmission constraints or "bottlenecks" increase electricity costs to consumers and increase the risk of blackouts. The need to expand the distribution infrastructure and install new distribution equipment to meet population and demand growth will require continued investment.

The man who designed our current grid is the same man who perfected the first light bulb. He couldn't have imagined — let alone designed a grid for — everything we'd need electricity for today.

How can we press into 2010, and all the gadgets that come with it, when we're relying on an electric grid that was planned when outhouses were still in use?

We can't.

It's going to take a massive overhaul of our grid to what is now known as the smart grid.

And Uncle Sam, along with dozens of specialized companies, is making it happen. The stimulus alone poured more than $6 billion into smart grid funding.

But it'll take much more than that. In fact, the ASCE concludes:

While annual investment in new transmission facilities has generally declined or been stagnant during the last 30 years, there has been an increase in investment during the past 5 years. Substantial investment in generation, transmission, and distribution are expected over the next two decades and it has been projected that electric utility investment needs could be as much as $1.5 to $2 trillion by 2030.

Read that again. . . $1.5 to $2 trillion by 2030.

Some smart grid stocks have already doubled as investors anticipate that level of spending. I've cashed out of a few myself.

But this is just the beginning of a two-decades-long profit event. The next three smart grid stocks I'm eyeing up could very well put my readers on the path to early retirement.

Read this report to get more details on our current grid problems. . . and the companies that will surge as they engineer solutions to fix them.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

Climate Change Stocks

Welcome to the Green Chip Review's Weekend Edition — our insights from the week in everything renewable energy and cleantech, as well as links to our most-read Green Chip Review and sister publication articles.

Emissions continued to be a driving theme this week. And that's expected, given the rapid approach of high-level climate talks in December. This meeting to be held in Denmark is known as COP-15.

Billionaire George Soros was in Denmark over the weekend to offer a bit of foreshadowing. It was there that he announced a $1 billion personal foray into the cleantech space. He'll invest $1 billion of his own money for profit, while funding his newly-created Climate Policy Initiative with an additional $100 billion.

He also underscored the need for swift action on climate change.

Goldman Sachs also extended their reach into the carbon game this week by selling $12 million worth of carbon credits in conjunction with offset provider Blue Source. The credits were sold to CE2 Carbon Capital.

This is another anticipatory move ahead of international climate talks and pending U.S. legislation in the same vein. As you know, the House passed a climate bill back in June. And it was announced this week by Barbara Boxer that her committee will pass a companion bill that could hit the Senate floor by December.

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"Certainly before Copenhagen," she said. While it would be nice. . . I doubt we will see passage of such a bill until next year, what with everyone's attention still firmly on health care.

But the week wasn't all about emissions. . . the solar sector fell victim to some conflicting news this week, too. On Sunday, Reuters reported that a leadership change in the German government would not lead to a slashing of their support for solar.

According to the source, a member of the new party coalition: "We're not going to take an axe to the EEG and we obviously won't agree to any changes that would damage such an important sector."

But by midweek, solar stocks were trading lower, based on rumors that the new government would, in fact, drastically alter the German tariff model. I'd have to say this was a case of solar bears exercising their right to free speech in an attempt to sway the market.

I suppose we'll learn the truth soon enough.

But rumors weren't enough this week to deter two of the world's largest industrial conglomerate from taking bold action in the sector. . .

GE announced it is taking a stake in Israeli start-up SolarEdge, which is promising increased module efficiency, and also in Tendril, a maker of communication equipment for the smart grid.

For its part, German-based Siemens announced a $418 million acquisition of Solel Solar Systems Ltd., yet another Israeli solar company.

I guess market rumors aren't nearly enough to scare away these juggernauts from what they know is a profitable sector.

In case you missed any of this week's most-read Green Chip articles and those from our sister publications, you can catch up on them, below.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

Investing in Battery Stocks: Making the Sun Shine at Night
Green Chip Review Editor Nick Hodge discusses investing in battery stocks after major global electronic companies take a plunge into the sector.

Siemens Wind Turbines: $888 Million for New Siemens Wind Turbines
Editor Jeff Siegel discusses how millions of dollars worth of orders further solidify Siemens's position as a leading turbine supplier.

Wind Power Stocks: How Wind Energy Leads to Yachts
Energy & Capital Editor Nick Hodge comments on recent renewable energy activity with special focus on the rapid expansion of wind energy and wind power stocks.

Make 32% a Month: How to Profit with Booming Cleantech and This System
Green Chip's Nick Hodge reveals how to use a new system to capitalize on the cleantech boom. So far, his readers have reported earning 32% in 30 days by using it! This system is sure to deliver more winners as more capital pours into the sector.

California Water Crisis: "Water is Our Future; Water is Our Economy," Governator Says
Editor Sam Hopkins reports from San Francisco on California's potential $9.4 billion addition to the water stock bull market.

$45 Trillion Rides on this Copenhagen Meeting: Secure Your Front Row Seat to Cop-15
On December 7, a group of the world's most influential leaders in politics, business, and policy will meet in Denmark to discuss the future of energy. What you should know about an event that could earn you a piece of a global market worth a staggering $45 trillion. . .

Cleantech Investing: Soros Pays $1 to Go Green
Wealth Daily Editor Nick Hodge discusses billionaire George Soros's recent $1 billion foray into clean energy.

Wind Power Stocks

Have you ever tried to argue a point that your counterpart simply doesn't understand?

This is how I often feel when arguing the bullish case for renewable energy. Though I must admit, it's getting easier.

For all the times my take on renewable energy has been met with responses like, "It will never work. . . renewable energy won't make a dent in supply," I simply think to myself, "How can it never work if it's already working?"

Secret COP-15 Meeting Sparks Trillion Dollar Shift

According to billionaire venture capitalist John Doerr, COP-15 signifies. . .

"Nothing less than the reindustrialization of the whole planet."

There's $45 trillion at stake as that happens. Click here to learn what's going on and how smart investors are already profiting.

If renewables can't make a dent, why are they being installed faster than any other energy technology, producing more energy now in the U.S. than even nuclear?

And why have billionaires like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett already invested willfully in clean technologies. . . and gone on to profit handsomely?

Quite frankly, if you haven't yet invested in renewable energy or at least come to the realization that it's worth pursuing, if only for the profits. . . you take your place among those to which I once referred as silly readers.

And I'll spend no further time trying to convince you.

But for those interested in making some of the easiest money around, I've got to tell you. . .

Renewable Energy is Booming

For starters, renewable energy captured more venture capital in the third quarter than both the biotech or software industries. This is the first time that's ever happened.

So the smart early money has already developed a healthy appetite for this sector. Venture capitalists poured $1.2 billion into cleantech last quarter, with the bulk of the money going to solar, biofuels, and smart grid technologies.

And the momentum doesn't stop there, it continues on down the chain. . . to public markets to steel in the ground. Every cleantech sector is reporting stellar growth.

The U.S. Geothermal Energy Association reported this month that their namesake sector has installed capacity of more than 3 GW. That will double in the next few years to more than 7.1 GW as new projects come online in California and Nevada.

And global solar capacity will do even better. With about 19.5 gigs already installed, capacity is slated to surge 1,037% in the next decade to well over 220 GW. . . led by the United States and China.

Solar stocks could see gains of equal percentage. Some — like the two I talked about last week — have surged more than 200% already this year. . . during a recession. . . and with every naysayer with a keyboard writing about a solar glut!

And the less-talked-about smart grid will be an $8 billion per year market, starting this year. Stocks in that sector have doubled this year, too.

All this bullishness ensues, and yet, what I really want to talk to you about is wind energy. Other cleantech sectors may be more explosive, but none can match wind's installed capacity, massive deals, and steady returns.

Wind Reigns Supreme

If solar is impressive with a projected 220 GW installed by 2019, wind capacity should be staggering. By that time, wind turbines will be churning out over 635 GW.

That'll be up from ~150 GW this year, which implies 323% growth.

And the industry is so big now that single deals are often measured in billions. In fact, the wind industry has spawned its own lucrative sub-industries.

I've taken profits from companies like American Superconductor (NASDAQ: AMSC), which do well just providing niche parts for the wind industry. This particular company is up more than 100% in the past year, and rumors are circulating about a buyout by ABB, GE, or even Siemens.

And speaking of Siemens. . . the world's largest supplier of offshore wind turbines announced six orders this week totaling nearly $1 billion dollars. They will supply 250 turbines with a capacity of 565 MW to customers in the U.S. and Canada.

Duke Energy, one of the largest coal-burning utilities, is one of those customers — a fact that should bring further validity to this industry.

And all this without even mentioning China, the nation boasting this year's biggest wind market, with 10 new GW installed. But that's tiny compared to what the Middle Kingdom has planned. . .

They just began construction on the first of six 10 GW wind farms. That's right — each of those six farms will have a capacity equal to the total amount of wind power installed in China this year.

It's part of their plan to have 100 GW of wind installed by 2020.

In Britain, an upcoming round of funding (of which Buffett is already involved), will fetch $160 billion to deploy 25 MW of offshore wind. Many more billions will be spent to get them to their 40 GW by 2020 offshore target.

Wind energy is everywhere. Turbines are going up faster than ever, creating fortunes and jobs along the way.

I even heard about a Vancouver-based yacht builder the other day that has laid off hundreds of people since the start of the Great Recession. Through a $1 million federal stimulus grant, the company has retooled to build components used in wind energy. . . and will rehire 200 people.

And the wind success stories go on. . .

Especially for those that have invested in the sector. I already mentioned American Superconductor, but I've also told my readers to buy the First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (NYSE: FAN). Look how they've performed over the past six months:

There's plenty of time to buy and hold that ETF to reap the benefits of wind growth in the coming years. In addition, I've found a few other wind stocks that I think will do very well as the number of billion-dollar turbine deals increases. You can read about those coming wind winners here.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

Cleantech Investing

George Soros, like most of us, loves money.

And he has a lot of it. With a net worth of $11 billion, Forbes ranks him as the 29th richest man in the world.

You don't get that rich by making bad financial decisions. . .

Recently, it was reported that Soros was connected to a tentative financing deal related to the sale of the St. Louis Rams to an investor group that counts Rush Limbaugh as a member.

Multiply Your Money by TEN with Gold

That's a big change for a man who once said getting George W. out of office was the central focus of his life! I guess when it comes to making serious money, ideology takes a back seat to the bottom line.

This is, after all, the same man who reportedly made $1 billion betting on the devaluation of the pound sterling, the currency of his adopted nation.

And this is the same Soros who, in 2008, wrote about a 25-year "superbubble" that was about to burst.

So when this guy acts, you can bet he acts with calculated precision. . . And you'd better pay attention to what he's doing.

This week, Soros made his market presence known with a major energy announcement.

1.1 Billion Reasons Soros Loves Cleantech

Speaking in Denmark over the weekend, Soros announced his plans to invest more than $1 billion of his own money in clean technology.

He's just the latest member of the billionaire parade to march toward cleantech for its lucrative returns — even during a recession: Buffett, Khosla, Gates, Pickens, and Turner have all turned over million- and billion-dollar green leaves.

Soros, for his part, will look for "profitable opportunities" in the field through a $1 billion personal investment. He's also creating a foundation called the Climate Policy Initiative and will fund it to the tune of $100 million over the next decade.

Now we know that these men are not sandal-wearing hippies, keen on saving the world.

Instead, they're focused on turning a tidy profit. . . and they know cleantech is one of the easiest ways to do it.

They don't know anything we don't. I've been telling anyone who will listen to invest in clean technology. These billionaires are simply doing what they do best: recognizing profitable trends early. . . and capitalizing on them.

Venture Tested, Venture Approved

Consider this nugget from a recent Reuters report:

Clean technology has for the first time become the top category in U.S. venture capital investment, eclipsing biotech and software, as private money follows the government's lead, the Cleantech group reported.

In the third quarter, clean technology earned 27% of all venture investment, beating out biotech (24%), software (18%), and medical devices (17%). Logic indicates, then, that the world's most sophisticated investors regard clean technology as worth more than a cure for cancer or the next Google.

In total, there were 112 cleantech deals worth $1.9 billion in Q3. That's 60% better than the $1.2 billion that changed hands in the second quarter. If you remember, even Exxon is in on this action, having committed $300 to research algae biofuels a few months ago.

So far in 2009, over $4 billion worth of cleantech venture deals have been completed.

And the bullishness continues. . . right up the chain to private equity and onto the public markets.

In fact, The Cleantech Index (^CTIUS) has outperformed both the Dow Jones and S&P 500 so far this year. Take a look:

These are all facts you can't afford to ignore. Cleantech, in all reality, could be the market's hottest sector. . . attracting billionaires and billions in venture capital alike.

As Soros has just proven, it's not too late to get a piece of this red-hot sector. His billion dollar investment, coupled with the billions in venture and global stimulus dollars, will help this bull run for years to come.

As it happens, Soros will be speaking later this week at The Buttonwood Gathering in New York, a sold-out summit of the world's leading economic minds. Our new analyst, Adam Sharp, has reserved his seat at this highly-secured event, where the theme is "Fixing Finance."

He'll be there reporting in person, as Soros, Ross, Geithner, and others offer their opinions on topics ranging from international regulatory schemes to golden parachutes for failed bankers. And Adam will pass along his findings — separating the truth from the hype — in a special report for Wealth Daily readers as soon as he gets back.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

P.S. As capital continues to pour in, taking gains from clean energy stocks has never been easier. In fact, I've designed a unique system that takes all the guesswork out of it. My readers have used it to add 32% to their portfolios every single month for the past year. Isn't it time you — like these savvy readers and the world's richest individuals — started making easy gains like these?

Investing in Battery Stocks

One of the most glaring — and accurate — criticisms of solar energy is the simple fact that there's no sunlight at night.

In most cases then, solar is an intermittent source of power. It's a reliable power source during the day, but requires some sort of back-up or reserve power source once the sun sets. . . usually natural gas.

Solving the problem of solar energy for nighttime hours has been the cleantech industry's white whale. But a recent advancement by a Japanese firm may hold the key to a solution.

Gold's Most Precious Secret

One little-known gold investment could make this your most profitable economic crisis ever.

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And the availability of solar energy at night will be the development that takes the industry to the next level, cranking up sales and stock prices alike.

Making the Sun Shine at Night

Last week at the Cutting-edge IT & Electronics Comprehensive Exhibition (CEATEC), Panasonic (NYSE: PC) unveiled a 1.5 kWh battery made by binding together standard lithium-ion battery cells.

This is big news for several reasons.

First, it marks the first time a global electronics stalwart has focused exclusively on advanced batteries for the cleantech industry.

This brings validity to a business that has been marginalized at every turn — labeled as "tree-hugging," "non-profitable," and "government-supported."

Until now, batteries of this kind have been pursued largely by specialized start-ups or cleantech-focused companies.

The entrance of global conglomerates —focused more on profits than altruism— is a strong signal of the level of business maturity cleantech has reached.

Second, the availability of these batteries at the retail level will spur demand for residential cleantech products, like solar panels and small-scale wind turbines. As I said, being able to use solar power when the sun isn't shining is one of the last remaining hurdles before widespread adoption is possible.

For green investors, an onslaught of affordable energy storage would be a boon not just to battery stocks, but to the smart grid, solar, and auto markets, as well. In fact, Panasonic has already been selected to provide batteries for Tesla's upcoming sedan.

Going Bonkers for Batteries

As you can probably tell, batteries are going to be big business, generating hundreds of billions in revenue. In fact, it's been estimated that even if only 1% of energy storage demand is met in the next decade. . . the industry will be worth at least $600 billion.

So it's no surprise that behemoths like Sony, Samsung, and LG have already thrown their hats into this ring.

Uncle Sam knows the importance of batteries, too. . .

$2.4 billion from the stimulus has already gone to fund advanced battery and electric drive projects, including:

$45.1 million to UQM Technologies (AMEX: UQM)
$34.3 million to Exide Technologies (NASDAQ: XIDE)
$118.5 million to Ener1 (NASDAQ: HEV)
$299.2 million to Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI)

And the recently IPOed A123 Systems (NASDAQ: AONE) was awarded $249.1 million.

Even Warren Buffett has embraced batteries, turning a $1 billion profit in less than a year on an investment in Chinese battery maker BYD (1211.HK).

The Coming Battery Boom

If recent activity is any indication, batteries are in for a long and sustained bull run. Take a look at the performance of this group of battery stocks over the past few months:

And all this is happening before the market is even fully developed. Panasonic's home storage battery, for example, is four years away from hitting shelves.

The 50-200% surge evidenced above was largely hype-driven. I expect gains much higher than that once products are fully developed and sold.

Using dips to get into these stocks now should be an integral part of any cleantech investment strategy.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

P.S. No matter how you slice it, battery development is a key piece of the developing smart grid. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates $2 trillion will be spent on this endeavor in the next two decades. And in addition to the battery stocks above, I've already generated a few triple-digit winners from this booming sector. This report reveals how to to turn the battery boom into personal profits.

Green Chip's Weekend Edition

If I had to sum up the week in a one word, it would be emissions.

It began Monday, when Apple became the latest company to renounce membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Apple joins Exelon, PG&E, and PNM Resources, who quit last month. Nike resigned from the board at the end of last month.

All this because of the Chamber's negative stance — and lobbying against— any progressive climate legislation, namely the regulation of carbon emissions.

It's a big win when you've got major energy and technology players in your corner — especially when climate legislation would impose regulations on some of their businesses.

Seemingly on cue, President Obama ordered federal agencies on Monday to set a goal for cutting emissions within the next 90 days. Every agency will have to "measure, manage, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions toward agency-defined targets."

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I guess higher ups in the business and political world are tired of the U.S. being criticized on an international scale for its action (or lack of action), concerning climate change. In this week's jab, Mexico called us a "stumbling block" to U.N. climate talks.

Other nations and even carbon intensive businesses are taking action. Russia announced this week that it will ban incandescent bulbs after 2014.

And in a surprise move, the Canadian government promised Royal Dutch Shell $823 million to develop carbon capture and storage at its Albert tar sands operation.

I mention all this for one reason: clean technology being used to curb emissions all over the globe.

Recognizing this trend — and acting on it by investing — is already generating wealth across the globe. . . for everyone from residents of developing nations to managers of billion-dollar hedge funds.

And, week after week, the evidence of this happening is mounting.

This week, for example, Reuters reported that solar and wind executives are almost giddy about the projects taking shape as the result of stimulus dollars in the U.S. and China. Efforts in the Middle Kingdom will make it the largest wind market this year, with about 10 GW of new installed capacity.

Solar installation will grow over 250% globally by 2015.

And, it was announced by Geothermal Energy Association this week that U.S. "installed geothermal capacity is set to increase more than threefold in the coming years."

The smart grid, for its part, is making all this possible by improving the grid, reducing demand, communicating with utilities, and generally making it easier for renewable energy integration.

Perhaps that's why the head of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission was singing smart grid praises this week, saying demand reduction could reduce U.S. electricity consumption by 20%, in addition to facilitating the introduction of more clean power.

"You've got EnerNOC, you've got Comverge, you've got 10 other companies that are out there now doing this on a very robust basis, because they understand that they could make money at it," he said.

Green Chip investors are making money from this ongoing transition as well.

In case you missed our most-read articles from Green Chip and our sister publications, you can check them out below.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

Investing in Combustible Ice: The Role of Flaming Ice as an Energy Solution
Wealth Daily Editor Christian DeHaemer talks about methane clathrate's potential as a future energy source and the compound's effects on climate.

Solar Stocks for 2010: Delivering Next Year's Winners. . . Right Now
Energy & Capital Editor Nick Hodge shares his top solar stocks for 2010.

Profiting with the Smart Grid: These 3 Stocks have Already Tripled
Over the past 10 months, GE, Google, IBM, and Cisco have invested $3 billion in a new technology that Energy Secretary Steven Chu has called an "urgent national priority." We reveal information you can't afford to miss about smart grid stocks.

Green Job Creation: The Latest on Green Job Creation
Editor Jeff Siegel explains the results of a University of California study regarding greenhouse gas emissions, and what it will mean for the state's economy.

Canadian Wind Energy: Plutonic Power and Enbridge: Canadian Energy's Odd Couple
Editor Sam Hopkins reveals the key players behind a massive expansion of Canadian wind energy investment and capacity.

Apple Climate Change: Apples Leaves the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over Climate Change Position
Green Chip's Jeff Siegel talks about Apple's announcement to join the ranks of businesses leaving the Chamber.

You Have 82 Days: That's All the Time Remaining to Buy this Stock Before it Soars 112%
The 8th-largest economy in the world will mandate the use of this company's wind power. . . but there's still time for you to get in on this moneymaker.

DOE Geothermal Research: DOE to research Geothermal Potential in Oil Production
Editor Kyle Haas discusses a joint project between the DOE's Office of Fossil Energy and Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for geothermal research.

Solar Stocks for 2010

With third quarter numbers starting to surface this week, it's not too early to start thinking about next year. . .

And there's plenty to think about.

Stocks in general are sitting on 52-week highs, leaving even the most ardent bulls with a finger on the sell button, ready to take profits at the first sign of trouble.

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The quarterly reports coming out over the next few weeks could be that sign, since this earnings season will still see a lot of purging — even with the recession waning.

If you know what's in store for the long term, any earnings-induced sell-off could present a monumental buying opportunity. Over the next few weeks, I'll examine a variety of energy sectors and give you my take on the 2010 picture.

Solar Stocks: A Recap

Upon review, the second quarter wasn't at all bad for solar stocks.

Most household names reported earnings higher than Street estimates, including First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR), Suntech (NYSE: STP), and SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWRA) — all of which turned a profit.

Several companies also reiterated or raised forward-looking guidance.

But I'd be remiss if I didn't say there was a feeling of anxiety brewing. Some second-tier companies lowered gross margin outlook as a result of falling average selling prices (ASPs). Module prices fell ~9% in the quarter, ranging anywhere from $2.50-$3.00/W, and were expected to decline further in the second half of the year.

Further up the supply chain, prices were also falling for polysilicon, the industry's raw material. Prices have been reduced by more than half and are now hovering in the $50-$60 per kilogram range. Producers like MEMC (NYSE: WFR) need prices above ~$28 to turn any kind of profit.

So the pressure was mounting. And the strategy, by most accounts, was to increase volume to offset falling prices. Global stimulus packages were created to help do just that.

Upcoming earnings numbers will show whether or not that strategy worked.

Solar Stocks for 2010

There is certainly much to consider when looking at stocks with a 12-month lens. For some time now, I've been using a proprietary system to weigh some of those factors for me.

It's called the "R-Track," and it takes into consideration — among other things — the projected future earnings of related groups of stocks.

From what I can tell so far, there's a dark horse that could be best performer in 2010.

The company is Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL), and it's already shaken off the recession like nobody's business:

Upon beating earnings estimates in the second quarter, they confirmed third quarter guidance of 90-110 MW shipped, with a decline in ASP of 10-15% from $2.32/W in Q2.

What's more, the company reiterated full 2009 shipments of 350-400 MW, which would require significant growth in the fourth quarter. A 200-MW backlog should help out.

Trina is also lowering in-house costs, guiding to $0.80/W from $0.86/W at the same time polysilicon prices are falling. This will help keep the gross margin stable.

And surprising — even to me — is the fact that Trina has one of the best long-term revenue and earnings growth rates. In the second quarter, they earned twice as much as SunPower and 17 times more than Suntech.

Look for them to remain quietly dominant over the next year.

Another company I expect to do well is Canadian Solar (NASDAQ: CSIQ). They, too, have shown strength of late, outperforming more well-known domestic names.

Chinese solar suppliers in general have been steeling market share from European and American competitors.

The company reported higher-than-expected sales and margin after the second quarter, and actually increased its 2009 shipment guidance by more than a quarter. The company picked up 15 new customers earlier this year, and is increasing sales across Europe, Asia, and the U.S.

And like Trina, Canadian is rapidly reducing costs. In fact, they're already beating Trina with a $0.60/W processing cost, brought on by its ramp of internal wafer capacity.

If the past six months are any indication, Trina and Canadian could outperform their peers over the next year:

A Final Word

While Trina and Canadian Solar have the potential to outperform next year, there are plenty of other solar stocks from which to profit.

The two I chose to highlight have great fundamental pictures. But getting cozy with the entire sector is a sure path to frequent profits.

For example, I've used my "R-Track" system to close 17 winning solar stocks so far in 2009. I closed Canadian Solar for 20% and I'm up about the same in Trina.

But I've also played several other solar stocks for profit — from both China and the U.S. — by using data compiled from my "R-Track."

I want you to invest in cleantech stocks with the same frequency and precision.

To that end, I've prepared a full report that describes the system I've designed, and how you can use it close winner after winner in the clean energy sector.

Taking advantage of the "R-Track" system today is the only way to get constant profits from the renewable energy boom that is fully underway.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

P.S. I know the information needed to consistently trade winning energy stocks can be confusing. EPS, ASPs, gross margins, megawatts shipped, peer pricing. . . it can all be a bit overwhelming. The "R-Track" system I've devised takes all the guesswork and uncertainty out of energy investing, giving you the power to buy and sell winning stocks at will. Make sure you read about this new way of investing before you buy another energy stock

A Week of Mixed News for Solar

This week was dominated by new worries for the solar industry.

It started on Monday with a bearish report by Barron's. It was an interview with analyst Gordon L. Johnson II, who bashed the industry the entire time, calling for a top-to-bottom oversupply of everything from polysilicon to modules.

He sees falling prices for silicon that would put pressure on supplier margins. And he sees module supply of about 7.1 GW in 2010 severely outpacing his demand forecast of 4.4 GW.

Of course, those are his estimates. With stimulus-funded projects popping up around the globe, it's really anyone's guess how the supply/demand picture will work out. China, for example, announced a project this week that will total 10 GW.

With projects like that being announced frequently. . . the demand picture can change in a hurry.

In a bit of surprising news this week, the New York Times reported that the solar importers could be hit with $70 million in unexpected tariffs from the U.S. Customs agency. They claim "because the panels contain a basic electronic device for safety and energy efficiency, they would be treated as electric generators, subject to a duty of 2.5 percent."

It seems frivolous and the solar industry is already fighting it. We'll have to wait and see how it turns out.

Warren Buffett Has Increased His Stake

Some of the world's top investors are swooning over one company. Warren Buffett... T.Rowe Price... even the Obama Administration.

They've all increased their stakes. And you can get in just like they did!

Click here to learn what they're so excited about and how you can profit from it.

Some less-than-good green news from this week: water made headlines several times because of its relationship with energy. First, because of the high amounts used to cool solar thermal systems in the Southwest; later because of the pollution associated with extracting newfound sources of natural gas.

But there was also some good news. . .

The number of cleantech financing deals soared in the third quarter to 112-worth a total of $1.9 billion. That the third quarter of consecutive growth, from $836 million in the first and $1.2 billion in the second.

Also worth noting is a climate/energy bill introduced in the Senate by John Kerry. It's a companion bill to the one passed by the House in June, calling for emissions reductions via cap-and-trade and increases in renewable energy through a renewable portfolio standard.

Finally, even if Congress fails to act, the EPA made clear this week that it will regulate emissions one way or another, using Clean Air Act authority if they have to.

In case you missed our most-read articles from Green Chip and our sister publications, you can check them out below.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

Exelon Climate Change: Exelon Climate Change Decision Further Erodes U.S. Chamber of Commerce Credibility
Editor Jeff Siegel comments on Exelon's announcement this week that it will be leaving the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, following in the footsteps of PG&E just last week. Jeff also covers Nike's resignation from the board of directors on Wednesday.

China Green Business Academy: Chinese Green Academy to Teach Western Execs
Green Chip Editor Sam Hopkins discusses China's plans to draw 2,000 business managers per year to its Institute for Sustainable Communities Environment, Heath and Safety Academy.

Investing in Geothermal Energy: Cashing in on Nevada's Geothermal Jackpot
Energy & Capital Editor Nick Hodge discusses investing in geothermal energy, with special attention paid to Nevada...

The R-Track System: Delivering Investors 32% Every Month
Readers following this system closed 45 winning trades in the last 12 months. . . and we'll tell you about #46.

Water Infrastructure Stocks: Using the "Philly Plan" for Profit
Green Chip's Nick Hodge discusses water infrastructure stocks through the lens of a recently announced $1.6 billion project. . .

Alternative Energy Funding: Where Alternative Energy Companies Can Get the Funding They Need
Green ChipEditor Jeff Siegel comments on the difficulty small alternative energy companies are having raising capital or getting credit, and offers a suggestion for these cash-strapped companies to get the funds they need.

Thomas Friedman Green China: NYTimes Columnist Sums Up China's Green Imperative
Green Chip's Sam Hopkins comments on Friedman's take on China's Green Revolution and offers his own insight.

EPA Could Regulate Greenhouse Gases: the EPA's Carbon Trump Card
Guest Editor Emily Rutan talks about the EPA's trump card when it comes to regulating greenhouse gas emissions.

Investing in Geothermal Energy

In the shadows of wind and solar, another clean energy source is rapidly gaining steam and inciting equally lucrative profits.

With about 10,500 MW installed to date, geothermal energy hasn't yet reached the scale of its cleantech cousins. Wind, for example, has ~142,000 MW of installed capacity worldwide; Solar has about 18,000 MW.

But the wonders of geothermal energy are spreading far and wide. Its capacity is forecast to double in the next five years to ~21,000 MW.

Get In for Less Than the CEO

One company could hold the key to our energy and water woes.

Buffett is in. So is T. Rowe Price. And the CEO of the company recently tacked on thousands of shares to his personal holdings.

They all think the stock is going much higher. And you can get in at nearly the same price they did today.

This report explains why the technology will be so valuable and how you can stake your claim today.

And related stocks have been offering hefty returns to those willing to take a look at this unloved sector. Let's take a closer look to see if we can claim some of those profits for ourselves.

Investing in Geothermal Energy

Here's a chart that shows how geothermal has grown since the turn of the century. . . and how it's forecast to grow over the next decade:

We're dealing with an industry that is about to witness solid growth, spurred not only by energy and climate concerns, but also by policy and financial incentives.

Everyone from Google to Middle Eastern oil sheiks are already lining up to get a piece of the imminent action. Google has invested millions in enhanced geothermal systems. And Masdar, the entire cleantech city being built in Abu Dhabi, awarded multi-million dollar contracts this week to begin drilling geothermal wells.

This is partly because of the nature of geothermal energy. Unlike solar and wind, geothermal is capable of providing steady base load power with some of the highest capacity factors around.

But it's also because of its profit potential. Look at how stalwart geothermal company Ormat Technologies (NYSE: ORA) has blown away the Dow Jones over the past six months:

Some of that growth has come from increased activity in the United States, which boasts the largest geothermal market in the world with about 3,000 installed megawatts of capacity.

Ormat has been busy assisting and providing geothermal systems to a few smaller companies here in the states, as stimulus dollars thrust projects forward.

And while this $40 stock could've netted you ~50% in the past six months, it's these smaller geothermal companies that are offering more bang for fewer bucks.

The Geothermal Jackpot

Down the West Coast from Washington and into the American Southwest you'll find some of the best areas for geothermal energy in the world. Nevada is at the top of the list.

Finding geothermal wells there is the new equivalent to Clampett's Texas tea.

In fact, a casino in Reno recently hit the jackpot when they discovered a geothermal water source near a new 17-story hotel. The energy and hot water it will provide will be more than enough for the entire 2.1 million square foot resort.

There's a geothermal jackpot for everyone in Nevada. Ours is going to be a little gem of a company called Nevada Geothermal (OTCBB: NGLPF).

This outfit has been in the geothermal game for a while. . . but they have a new plant coming online soon that has already led to some intense profits, and is sure to lead to more.

Their 49.5 MW 'Faulkner 1' geothermal plant was recently completed ahead of schedule. And investors have taken notice:

While I recommended the stock to readers back in June — we're now sitting on a 55% profit — I think this stock is headed much higher. Take a look at this section of their most recent press release:

The Blue Mountain ‘Faulkner 1' project has successfully completed testing requirements. . . three months ahead of schedule. Power plant equipment has exceeded guaranteed output levels. The plant will continue to generate and supply electricity while remaining work items are completed. NGP expects to assume full control of the power plant in late September and will declare an "in service date" shortly thereafter.

Folks, this plant isn't even in service yet and the stock has surged more than 150%. It's going to scream higher when the company takes full control and the next press release is issued.

It should be any day now.

My readers have already taken a position and so have I. It's not too late to enjoy the same benefits.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

P.S. I've been using a new system to consistently identify winners like Nevada Geothermal over and over gain. Readers like you earned winners averaging 32% each and every month for the past year by adhering to it. This new report outlines the entire system, and how you can use it to make similar gains. . . starting today.

Trading a Single Stock

Today I want to talk about just one stock. . . though I've done what I'm about to describe with dozens.

The stock is JA Solar (NASDAQ: JASO), a Chinese solar stock — but the specific stock is really not important; you can do this with many different plays.

Over the course of the past 10 months, I've recommended and sold this particular stock eight times for profit. Seven of those times were for double digit gains.

I've done it using a special system I've devised. And you can do it, too.

Thanks Obama...
For Making Me Rich!!!

Love him or hate him, there's one thing you can count on with Barack Obama in office...

He's going to make renewable energy investors insanely wealthy!

Don't believe it?

The proof is in the numbers.

Click here now.

Trading a Single Stock

The first time I traded JA Solar was last November. I most recently sold it this September. Here's how those trades worked out:

Date Bought	Date Sold	Percentage Gain
11/13/08	11/24/08	30.45%
12/01/08	12/31/08	43.91%
03/03/09	03/04/09	13.66%
03/05/09	03/09/09	9.89%
04/07/09	05/06/09	36.56%
05/08/09	05/27/09	10.13%
05/19/09	05/20/09	15.24%
08/17/09	09/24/09	16.67

Two of those trades were held for one day or less.

So, how have I done it?

First, I use that system I told you about, called the "R-Track." It's a strategy that takes into consideration (among other things), a database of cleantech companies, SEC filings, future earnings estimates, and forecast market growth for the respective sector.

In this case, I looked at forward earnings projections for JASO, but also for its peer group comprised of other Chinese solar stocks.

Then, I figured out where the group of stocks should be trading based on something called a future earnings multiple.

I learned that JASO is forecast to earn ~$0.40 per share in 2010. I also learned that Chinese solar stocks are trading at anywhere from 10x to 15x their future earnings.

That gives us a pretty good expected trading range of $4.00 to $6.00.

All this using my "R-Track" system.

And look where the stock has traded during the time I've been trading it:

I simply put out a buy recommendation when the stock fell near or below $4.00. And I sold it whenever it offered a decent gain.

Of course, there a few other factors involved. Since it's an energy stock, I always have an eye on oil prices and legislation.

But once you've identified a solid range. . . there's no telling how many times you can trade a single stock for a gain. I'm back in JASO as you read this.

And I've done it with several other stocks. . .over and over again.

You could be doing the same. This new report explains all about how the "R-Track" works.

After reading it, you'll have all the tools you need to start trading stocks with a penchant for consistent gains.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

Water Infrastructure Stocks

Water could be the key to your retirement.

And I'm not talking about digging your toes into the white sand of some island oasis as the tide comes in. . . though that too could be a possibility.

Instead, I'm talking about leveraging water's looming profit potential for sustained above-average returns.

Of course, investing in water is a theme I've hit on early and often. I've been blowing this bull horn for several years.

The Plunge Protection Team's Historic "Tip-Off"

Some people think the PPT is an Oliver Stone-style conspiracy theory.

Yet this secretive group is as real as the day is long.

And they recently leaked investors to another bombshell of an opportunity... the fuse, of which, has just been lit.

Click here to learn more about the Plunge Protection Team -- and the once-in-a-lifetime money-making opportunity behind it.

And while the recession put a wrench in this profit-maker's gears — as it did many others' — recovery efforts have once again made water a highly attractive and liquid market.

Here's what I mean. . .

Using the "Philly Plan" for Profit

I generally talk about water from a macro level, discussing multi-billion markets and the companies operating within them. At times, it may feel like there's no tangible real-world connection.

To bridge that gap, I'd like to take a moment to tell you about a profitable water plan that's taking shape in Philadelphia and will soon be replicated across the country.

The city has announced a 20-year, $1.6 billion plan to transform its wastewater system. And, as with all water projects, that money will be going to parts suppliers and environmental engineering firms — some of which you can invest in.

According to Jon Capacasa, a regional director for the EPA, "This is the most significant use of green infrastructure I've seen in the country, the largest scale I've seen."

Patrick Starr, senior VP of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council believes "It's the most significant investment in transforming the city that we'll see in our lifetimes."

This type of plan can be transformational for your portfolio, as well.

In a nutshell, the plan involves:

creating rain gardens
building green roofs
installing porous pavement
laying new pipes and
expanding treatment facilities

Finding out how that $1.6 billion will be divided and spent — and to whom it will be paid — is the key to using this project for personal profit. And the long-term nature of the project means sustainable profits for years.

What's more, Philadelphia is the first city to propose such a bold measure. But as other cities — both large and small — follow their lead. . . the total spent on water projects will only surge. And so will related investor profits.

Potential Profits Become Pocketed Profits

The window on this opportunity isn't closed by any stretch of the imagination. . . but there is now a firm screen in place.

That's because investors are quickly becoming aware of the lucrative profits the water industry has to offer. Some water infrastructure stocks have surged nearly 80% since March.

This is mostly due to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, otherwise known as The Stimulus. The act allocated more than $11 billion to be spent on water projects.

All you need to do is take a position early, before this quietly creeping megatrend reaches ubiquity.

And it's happening quickly.

Some $4 billion ($11 billion set aside) has already been allocated for water-related improvements across the country — $93.7 million has already been awarded to Pennsylvania, and each state will get its share.

And it's pushing water stocks ever-higher.

One of the best ways to get in and stay in is through a water ETF, which I've said numerous times. But you won't blame me after you see how they're performing:

They may be up ~40% over the past six months, but they will undoubtedly head higher as more stimulus dollars are approved and more projects —like the one in Philly— take shape.

And they will.

Washington D.C. is pursuing a $2.2 billion plan to build giant sewer overflow tunnels. Surely you've seen related spending in your area.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

P.S. I've been using this megatrend to pick off winner after winner for my readers. In fact, they've been averaging 32% per month for the past year on my recommended winners. And they've done it simply by following my guidance exclusively on cleantech and water stocks. Click here to see how they've done it. . . and what their next trade will be.

A123 Surges 50% on First Day

Welcome to the Green Chip Review Weekend Edition — our insights from the week in everything renewable energy and cleantech, as well as links to our most-read Green Chip Review and sister publication articles.

The week in Green Chip can be summed up with a single acronym: IPO.

Thursday of this week marked the initial public offering of A123 Systems, the MIT battery spin-off that now trades under the ticker AONE on the NASDAQ.

This was one of the most highly anticipated IPOs I can remember. Even those not remotely concerned with cleantech or sustainability were excited to see it begin trading.

And it showed in the price.

In its first day the stock gained about 50%, surging from its debut price of $13.50 up to $20.00.

It's been the talk of the Street all week. And it's further proof in the pudding of just how far the green movement has come in only a few short years.

Wall Street's Energy Bombshell

Morgan Stanley --and a group of other high-powered Wall Street banks-- just

announced they'll no longer fund fossil fuel-related energy projects.

That means trillions in "new money" will now be created in alternative energy.

And here's where the first round of profits will come from. . .

We've gone from hearing things like "electric vehicles are glorified golf carts," to "let me get in on that $380.4 million IPO!"

In less sexy but still important news. . . the G20 agreed to phase out subsidies on oil and other fossil fuels, albeit with no specific time frames.

And the combined Departments of Treasury and Energy awarded $550 million renewable energy grants to help move specific projects forward. That makes over $1 billion from the stimulus allocated to cleantech so far from the two departments.

In case you missed our most-read articles from Green Chip and our sister publications, you can check them out below.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

Copenhagen Climate Conference: Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change
Editor Sam Hopkins highlights major new developments in the UN emissions reduction talks and the trillions of dollars pushing for change. . .

The Economic Stimulus Package: $11.3 Billion for Renewable Energy
Energy & Capital Editor Nick Hodge relates the idea of a "profit bridge" to companies getting funding through the economic stimulus package. . .

Emerging Europe ETF: Poland Leads the Way to Emerging Europe Profits
Editor Sam Hopkins dissects a top emerging market ETF to come out with a much better play on leading emerging Europe market growth.

The Cleantech Industry: Why Even the Boys at Big Oil are Getting On Board
We explain just how enormous — and completely inevitable — the renewal energy boom really is. . . and why you need to be well-informed if you're interested in making money — and lots of it.

Chesapeake Energy Stock: Buy, Sell or Hold — Chesapeake Energy is on the Rise
Wealth Daily Editor Steve Christ takes a look at natural gas prices and makes the call on shares of Chesapeake Energy.

The Renewable Energy Challenge: Will the U.S. Choose the Path to Profit, or the Freeway to Failure?
Editor Chris Nelder separates the policies on climate and energy that work from the ones that don't, and sees the U.S. lagging far behind the rest of the world. . .

Offshore Wind Power: Cape Wind Ignites U.S. Offshore Market
Green Chip Guest Editor Kyle Haas discusses Cape Wind developments before turning to the broader offshore wind market.

Buffett Offshore Wind: Warren Buffett Bets Big On Offshore Wind
Green Chip's Jeff Siegel covers Warren Buffett and the news that he might pony up $1.6 billion to get a piece of the UK Offshore Wind market.

Renewable Energy Grants

In today's Wealth Daily, my colleague Nick Hodge explains the "profit bridge" that's being created as projects funded by federal dollars become investment opportunities. This profit bridge is bigger than ever this month — the strongest it's been since March — so I felt it was important to draw your attention to it.

Profitably yours,

Brian

——————————————

I do hope you're finally taking advantage of the "profit bridge" I've been telling you about. . .

In case you're not up to speed, the "profit bridge" is the investment opportunity created when projects are funded by federal dollars.

And in the age of bailouts and stimuli. . . the bridge is bigger than ever.

I've paid careful attention to how this phenomenon has developed within the water industry. (Every single water stock I told you about two weeks ago is up.)

But the pillars of a profit bridge are also being established in the energy industry. And savvy investors are already exploiting it.

Get In for Less Than the CEO

One company could hold the key to our energy and water woes.

Buffett is in. So is T. Rowe Price. And the CEO of the company recently tacked on thousands of shares to his personal holdings.

They all think the stock is going much higher. And you can get in at nearly the same price they did today.

This report explains why the technology will be so valuable and how you can stake your claim today.

$11.3 Billion of "Free" Money

That's the total sum made available by the Department of Energy as a result of the stimulus.

Granted, that "free" money is also taxpayer money. But they've already got it, and you're not getting it back.

So you should be willing to profit from any opportunities that arise when that money is spent. As it happens, those opportunities are cropping up right now.

In fact, $2 billion has gone through the door of the DoE in September alone — and the month's not over yet! It's been one of the strongest months for federal energy funding since March, when stimulus dollars started being allocated.

Here's where the $2 billion went this month:

$500 million for clean energy projects
$535 million loan guarantee for Solyndra
$18.6 million for Oklahoma's State Energy Program
$354 million for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Projects in 22 States
$454 million for Retrofit Ramp-Ups in Energy Efficiency
$60 million for Weatherization Programs in Six States
$14.6 million to Support Development of Advanced Water Power Technologies

And just this week, a joint announcement by the DoE and the Treasury Department awarded $550 million in renewable energy "government cash grants."

According to Reuters, that half a billion dollars will be used:

. . . to develop renewable energy projects that will help meet the Obama administration's goal to double U.S. renewable energy production over the next few years.

The money comes from the economic stimulus package approved by Congress and will provide direct payments to companies in lieu of tax credits to support solar, wind, bio-mass and other renewable energy production facilities.

Pay attention to the wording there: a "government cash grant" means the money doesn't have to be paid back. It's free money for the companies that get it.

And "direct payments to companies in lieu of tax credits" means the cash is paid up front.

Finding out where that money is headed is the key to hefty "profit bridge" gains.

Leaving Crumbs on the Profit Trail

This is where our beautiful democracy comes in. . . because whenever the federal gov't gives grants, loan guarantees, tax breaks, and the like, there's enough red tape to find out exactly where that money is headed.

Here's what I mean. . .

In the official press release about the $550 million worth of cash grants, four wind farms received funding:

Barton Wind Farm: $93.4 million
Farmers City Wind Farm: $84.96 million
Barton Chapel Wind Farm: $72.57 million
Pyron Wind Farm: $121.9 million
Bull Creek Wind: $91.39 million

What the press release doesn't tell you is that all five wind farms are tied directly to publicly traded companies.

But a little digging will tell you that the Pyron Wind Farm is owned by German utility E.ON (XETRA: EOAN). And the other four are owned by Portuguese cleantech spin-off Iberdrola Renovables (MCE: IBR) with turbines provided by Gamesa (MCE: GAM).

Warren Buffett Has Increased His Stake

Some of the world's top investors are swooning over one company. Warren Buffett... T.Rowe Price... even the Obama Administration.

They've all increased their stakes. And you can get in just like they did!

Click here to learn what they're so excited about and how you can profit from it.

You can see how the stocks have done below. In total, those five farms will boast over 700 MW of generation capacity.

This is just one example of how government handouts are stoking big gains for smart investors.

In August, battery maker Ener1 (NASDAQ: HEV) received a DoE grant worth $118.5 million. And US Geothermal (AMEX: HTM) recently nabbed one worth $7.39 million.

Look at how all these stocks are performing as money is handed out to them:

And the federal money that went to boosting these stocks? It's only a drop in the bucket compared to what is and what will be spent.

Keep an eye on this trend. There is easy money being made.

Call it like you see it,

Nick

P.S. A group of investors has closed one winning trade per week — every week this year — on the heels of intense capital support for clean technology. One of them has averaged 20% per week. Click here to see how they're doing it.

The Economic Stimulus Package

I do hope you're finally taking advantage of the "profit bridge" I've been telling you about. . .

In case you're not up to speed, the "profit bridge" is the investment opportunity created when projects are funded by federal dollars.

And in the age of bailouts and stimuli. . . the bridge is bigger than ever.

I've paid careful attention to how this phenomenon has developed within the water industry. (Every single water stock I told you about two weeks ago is up.)

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But the pillars of a profit bridge are also being established in the energy industry. And savvy investors are already exploiting it.

$11.3 Billion of "Free" Money

That's the total sum made available by the Department of Energy as a result of the stimulus.

Granted, that "free" money is also taxpayer money. But they've already got it, and you're not getting it back.

So you should be willing to profit from any opportunities that arise when that money is spent. As it happens, those opportunities are cropping up right now.

Here's where the $2 billion went this month:

$500 million for clean energy projects
$535 million loan guarantee for Solyndra
$18.6 million for Oklahoma's State Energy Program
$354 million for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Projects in 22 States
$454 million for Retrofit Ramp-Ups in Energy Efficiency
$60 million for Weatherization Programs in Six States
$14.6 million to Support Development of Advanced Water Power Technologies

And just this week, a joint announcement by the DoE and the Treasury Department awarded $550 million in renewable energy "government cash grants."

According to Reuters, that half a billion dollars will be used:

. . . to develop renewable energy projects that will help meet the Obama administration's goal to double U.S. renewable energy production over the next few years.

The money comes from the economic stimulus package approved by Congress and will provide direct payments to companies in lieu of tax credits to support solar, wind, bio-mass and other renewable energy production facilities.

Pay attention to the wording there: a "government cash grant" means the money doesn't have to be paid back. It's free money for the companies that get it.

And "direct payments to companies in lieu of tax credits" means the cash is paid up front.

Finding out where that money is headed is the key to hefty "profit bridge" gains.

Leaving Crumbs on the Profit Trail

Here's what I mean. . .

In the official press release about the $550 million worth of cash grants, five wind farms received funding:

Barton Wind Farm: $93.4 million
Farmers City Wind Farm: $84.96 million
Barton Chapel Wind Farm: $72.57 million
Pyron Wind Farm: $121.9 million
Bull Creek Wind: $91.39 million

What the press release doesn't tell you is that all five wind farms are tied directly to publicly traded companies.

You can see how the stocks have done below. In total, those five farms will boast over 700 MW of generation capacity.

This is just one example of how government handouts are stoking big gains for smart investors.

In August, battery maker Ener1 (NASDAQ: HEV) received a DoE grant worth $118.5 million. And US Geothermal (AMEX: HTM) recently nabbed one worth $7.39 million.

Look at how all these stocks are performing as money is handed out to them:

And the federal money that went to boosting these stocks? It's only a drop in the bucket compared to what is and what will be spent.

Keep an eye on this trend. There is easy money being made.

Call it like you see it,

Nick