It might be January with cold climate abound in most parts of the world, but it could be fun in the sun for solar energy investors throughout 2020 and beyond. As the world continues to move towards more energy sources that don’t rely on fossil fuels, solar is part of that ever-growing initiative.
“Last year, SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) announced the 2020s would be the Solar+ Decade,” wrote Silvio Marcacci in Forbes “This year we are setting the wheels in motion. By 2030, solar will make up 20% of U.S. electricity generation. This will be buoyed by progress in wind energy, storage, and other clean energy sources. And while our goal is attainable, it is not inevitable.”
“If we’re successful, the payoff will be enormous,” Marcacci added. “By 2030, we’ll drive $345 billion into the U.S economy and offset 35% of all electricity sector emissions. The industry will employ more people than every U.S. company except Walmart. Americans will enjoy lower energy bills, greater energy choice, and cleaner air.”
Solar-powered equipment was once relegated to those who can afford the convenience, but as the cost continues to fall, it will permeate into more households.
“This year solar will continue growing as prices fall,” Marcacci said. “Wood Mackenzie and SEIA project solar installations will hit a record 19 gigawatts this year, or enough to power the equivalent of 3.6 million homes. But we will be missing important opportunities if we don’t also have policies that allow solar to compete.”
All this could bode well for the Invesco Solar ETF (NYSEArca: TAN). TAN, which started back in 2008, seeks to track the investment results of the MAC Global Solar Energy Index, which is designed to provide exposure to companies listed on exchanges in developed markets that derive a significant amount of their revenues from the following business segments of the solar industry: solar power equipment producers including ancillary or enabling products.
Other Alternative Energy ETFs
The sun can’t have all the fun—alternative sources of energy like wind and lithium funds could also experience more growth.
Investors who want to capitalize on increasing reliance on wind as an alternative energy resource, they can look at the First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (NYSEArca: FAN). The fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of an equity index called the ISE Clean Edge Global Wind EnergyTM Index.
With the growth of electric vehicles, another ETF to look at is the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (NYSEArca: LIT). LIT, which is nearly nine years old, tracks the Solactive Global Lithium Index. The underlying index is designed to measure broad-based equity market performance of global companies involved in the lithium industry.
For more market trends, visit ETF Trends.