Shares of LDK Solar and Energy Conversion Devices Look to Rebound as Solar Demand Stays Strong

   Solar stocks have been on an impressive run with the Guggenheim Solar ETF, which consists of approximately 25 stocks selected based on the relative importance of solar power within the Company's business model, up roughly 19 percent in the month of January. Aaron Chew, a Maxim Group LLC analyst in New York recently told Bloomberg that China's plan to double capacity this year is helping to drive demand for solar panels, and boost shares throughout the industry. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the solar industry and provides equity research on LDK Solar Co. Inc. (NYSE: LDK) and Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: ENER). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

www.fivestarequities.com/LDK

www.fivestarequities.com/ENER

Despite weak stock performances by several alternative energy firms, 2011 was a strong year for the renewable energy industry. Investments in renewable energy rose five percent from 2010 to $260 billion. According to data from to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, solar led all alternative energy investments, and for the first time since 2008, the US took back its leading position over China. Investments in solar surged 36 percent to $136.6 billion last year.

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the solar industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at www.fivestarequities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

While solar stocks kicked off the year on the upswing, recent announcements out of Germany took some wind out of the industry's sails. Last week Germany, the largest market for panels, said it will make quicker cuts to subsidized rates and phase out support for the industry by 2017. As reported in Bloomberg, German Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen said last week that he planned to reduce feed-in tariffs providing above-market prices for solar power every month instead of twice a year as he does now. He said he's working to curb an "unacceptable" surge in installations last year.

Meanwhile, Economy Minister Philipp Roesler said spiraling costs linked to solar subsidies are a threat to the economy. Roettgen indicated concern that the funds are benefiting Chinese companies. "The increase in installations in the past few years has gone far beyond what we had targeted in our legislation," Roettgen said.

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