The stock market has always been an important factor in the world of free economy. Worldwide events affect the rise or fall of the value of the stocks being exchanged on the market. And with the green movement toward more alternative energy for less carbon footprint effects, there are many companies that have stepped up to deliver what is needed to bring our energy needs into the next century.

There are several different alternatives for energy such as solar, wind, geothermal and water generated energy. But when we are discussing investing in stocks of companies that are on the rise it can become a major research project to arrive at the very ones that will make you money.

Of course we all like to buy low and sell high, but sometimes we have to take the risk on a stock that is going to skyrocket although we may jump in when the cost is a little higher than we like.

Solar power is strong and growing with many opportunities for investment in many companies. One such company is Solar City Corp. (NASDAQ: SCTY) designs, sells and installs solar systems for commercial and residential customers.

Another one would be Sun Power Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR) which sells and installs rooftop and ground solar systems, panels and inverters. Both are obviously on the track of delivering a different type of energy supply and getting in on the ground floor which means they can only go forward.

A big one to watch and possibly invest in would be Terraform Power (NASDAQ: TERP) they own and operate solar and wind power plants in Canada, Chile, the U.K. and U.S. This company is a subsidiary of Sun Edison and on all the watch lists. And then we have the innovative company Viviant Solar Inc. (NYSE: VSLR) who sells electricity generated by solar energy systems installed at customers locations to other residential energy customers.

Wind is another alternative energy source with more companies coming on board with wind projects. Pattern Energy Group (NASDAQ: PEGI) owns and operates wind power projects with several off takes such as San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Gas & Electric utilizing the power from the wind. Wind and solar energy have always been and will always be, but it has only been in the last several years that it has been discovered as a source of energy. So the investment into these type energies will benefit long into the future.

A more diversified company is NRG Yield, Inc. (NYSE: NYLD) owns and operates natural gas, solar and wind power generating facilities. Most do not have an interest in the natural gas aspect but the diversification of this company into the alternative energies of solar and wind makes this one a viable investment. Another company that uses wind and solar power for energy needs is NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) and is up and coming in the business world with also supplying retail electrical services.

Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG) designs, develops and manufactures fuel cell systems for another alternative energy. Fuel cell energy is where carbonate fuel cells generate hydrogen directly from either natural gas or renewable biogas which is a new use for animal manure and a fairly new discovery.

The use of the biogas from the manure piles lying around and that has been released into the atmosphere ever since the beginning to time has now been turned into energy for power. This is a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a business that has so much room for growth.

With all the new energy companies leaning toward solar, wind and other entities there is a need for the components for this equipment to operate. And there are companies to supply these that are more stocks to be aware of for this year.

Canadian Solar (NASDAQ: CSIQ) is headquartered in Canada and designs, develops and produces solar cells, wafers, modules and solar power products for the companies systems. Another one is First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) which designs and manufactures photovoltaic solar equipment through components and systems. Photovoltaic is a method for generating electric power by using solar cells to convert energy from the sun into electrons. These are great alternative ideas and investments for future growth.