Alternative energy sources are often talked about as great investments. The problem is, most investors (institutional or otherwise) don’t really understand how to price “alternative” energy stocks. The product is there, but is it really there? And what’s going to happen with technological change? Investors know alternative energy is a good investment, but they just aren’t sure about how to get into it, and where. Should an investor enter the solar power market? And if so, which kind of solar company should he or she invest in? The market has yet to consolidate from a component standpoint, but from a more easily understood investment standpoint, the end-product needs to be designed and installed to a specific use. This is straightforward and understandable. It also may be the best and safest way, at this point, to get into alternative energy.
Clear Skis Solar Inc., a turnkey solar energy designer and installer, is primarily engaged in the design, installation and integration of solar energy power systems. It works with residential and commercial projects of all sizes, and has installed projects from 8kW to 300kW. Although the company will design and install for both commercial and residential customers, it has been finding projects in the commercial sector to be larger and more profitable. On March 20, the company will begin a partnership with SGFP 2 LLP – a SmartGrowth Opportunity Fund (SGFP) company – to design and install a 900kW solar power system for an active-living community. Cost of the project is estimated at $6.5 million for solar power to 55 ranch-style town homes and 95 town homes – resulting in 80% of the power supply for this community outside of Atlanta, GA.
The company has not stayed in a static installation and design mode. It is very active in the research and development aspects of solar power. Currently, it has a patent pending device, ready for introduction, that works to monitor its installations. For the most part, solar energy systems are maintenance free, being able to withstand 1-inch hailstones at 50mph, but they can be “tweaked” with new advances to make them more efficient over time. The company feels it has a product that can keep track of its installed systems efficiency levels so customers receive the most dollars from their installation.
Apparently, the company has lined itself up to be a long-term player at the forefront of wherever the solar energy market takes it. Its photovoltaic products and large scale water heating systems are likely to become just the core of operations, as solar begins its real advances in technological change. Clear Skis Solar Inc. is ready to be the national company on the roof, in the farm field, or at the top of a pole, getting the country into unwired, alternative energy right now.
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