6 Best Solar Energy Stocks to Invest In Now

In this article we will explore six best solar energy stocks to invest in now.

If you have been watching the energy market lately, you may have noticed something big happening. Solar power, once seen as a niche, expensive alternative, is quickly becoming one of the most powerful forces reshaping global electricity. And despite policy noise, shifting incentives, and market volatility, the long term picture for solar has never looked brighter. For investors trying to position themselves ahead of the next major energy wave, this moment is worth paying attention to.

According to Goldman Sachs Research, global solar installations are expected to reach 914 gigawatts by 2030, a jump of more than 57 percent compared to 2024. This remarkable growth isn’t coming from hype. It’s being driven by simple economics: solar has become cheaper, faster to build, and easier to scale than almost any other form of power generation. Over the last year alone, solar energy generated 8 percent of the world’s electricity, a huge milestone when you consider how quickly the industry has matured.

The U.S. market is showing the same momentum. Recent data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reveals that America now has 255 gigawatts of solar capacity, enough to power more than 43 million homes. Over the last decade, solar has grown at an average rate of 28 percent annually, helped by lower installation costs, improved efficiency, and strong corporate demand. Big names like Amazon, Meta, Google and Walmart continue to sign massive clean energy contracts, pushing solar deeper into mainstream adoption.

The economic impact is just as compelling. The industry now supports more than 280,000 American jobs and has attracted over $70 billion in private investment. Battery storage, one of solar’s most important partners, is also becoming more affordable, making solar a reliable option for both utilities and homeowners. Even short term challenges, such as shifting tariffs and supply chain adjustments, have done little to slow the sector’s long term trajectory.

Put simply, the world is not moving toward solar, it is accelerating toward it.

For investors, this creates a unique window of opportunity. Many companies across the solar supply chain are growing revenues, improving margins, and winning long term contracts that can deliver steady growth for years. Whether you are a long term investor or someone building a diversified portfolio, these solar stocks offer exposure to one of the fastest growing industries in the world.

6 Best Solar Energy Stocks to Invest In Now

Our Methodology

To identify the six best solar energy stocks to invest in now, we screened solar companies with a market cap above $300 million and an average analyst rating of Buy or better. We further narrowed the list to stocks with positive YTD performance and upside potential based on the gap between current prices and average analyst targets. The final list is presented in ascending order of upside potential.

Best Solar Energy Stocks to Invest In Now

06. First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR)

Current Share Price as of December 1: $272.92

Average Analysts Share Price Target: $277.36

Upside Potential: 2%

YTD Performance as of December 1: 54.86%

Our list of six best solar energy stocks to invest in now starts with First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR). It is one of the strongest solar panel manufacturers in the U.S. The company makes thin film solar modules, which perform well in hot climates and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional silicon panels. It also has a growing manufacturing presence in the U.S., India and Europe, which helps it benefit from clean energy policies.

First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) has gained 54.86% year to date as of December 1, reflecting strong demand for its U.S. made solar modules. With the stock trading at $272.92 as of December 1 and an average analyst target of $277.36, it offers a modest 2 percent upside.

On November 3, Barclays raised its price target on the stock to $279 from $216 and kept its Overweight rating. This upgrade came after First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) reported a solid third quarter. The company sold a record 5.3 gigawatts of panels and ended the quarter with a very large order backlog of 54.5 gigawatts. This backlog gives First Solar steady demand for the next several years.

The quarter also included cancellations of 8.1 gigawatts of orders, mostly from British Petroleum (BP) affiliates that failed to make required payments. First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) canceled those contracts, kept $61 million in deposits and is now seeking an additional $324 million through legal action. Other canceled orders were tied to project delays, not weaker demand, and several customers have already placed new orders.

Financially, the company is in good shape. It reported $1.6 billion in revenue for the quarter with a healthy 38 percent gross margin. Some production was delayed due to glass shortages at its Alabama plant and temporary curtailments in Southeast Asia. First Solar also increased its warranty reserve to $65 million because of issues found in certain Series 7 modules.

The balance sheet remains strong with $2 billion in cash and marketable securities. The company also secured up to $775 million in transferable tax credits, which will support its new 3.7 gigawatt U.S. facility expected to start production in 2026. First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) now expects to earn between $14 and $15 per share in 2025.

Overall, despite some short term headwinds, First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) is in a good shape for long term growth. Its large order backlog, strong financial position and U.S. based manufacturing give it a solid foundation as demand for solar energy continues to rise.

05. Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE:DQ)

Current Share Price as of December 1: $31.68

Average Analysts Share Price Target: $33.16

Upside Potential: 5%

YTD Performance as of December 1: 62.96%

Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE:DQ) is a major name in China’s solar supply chain, producing high purity polysilicon, the material every solar panel starts with. After a tough market cycle, the stock has staged an impressive comeback, jumping 62.96% year to date as of December 1. At $31.68 per share and an average analyst target of $33.16, Daqo still carries about 5% upside.

The company’s latest quarter shows a clear turning point. Polysilicon prices finally rebounded in Q3 2025, and Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE:DQ) used this shift to its advantage. It delivered $45.8 million in EBITDA and $3.7 million in adjusted net income, significantly better than earlier in the year. Even more impressive, Daqo ended the quarter holding $2.21 billion in cash, deposits and liquid investments, giving it one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry.

To manage the earlier oversupply problem, Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE:DQ) kept production at around 40% capacity. But when prices improved, the company moved fast: it sold 42,406 metric tons of polysilicon, more than double the previous quarter, by clearing both new production and older inventory. This approach lifted revenues sharply and reduced stockpiles to healthier levels. At the same time, Daqo’s production costs fell to a record low of $6.38 per kg, strengthening margins.

Due to rising prices, lower costs and a strong financial base, analysts believe Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE:DQ) is entering a more stable phase of its cycle. If market conditions continue to improve, the company is in a better shape to benefit from the next leg of growth in the global solar industry. On October 29, Goldman Sachs raised its price target for Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE:DQ) to $18.30 from a previous target of $16.20, while maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock.

04. Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ:RUN)

Current Share Price as of December 1: $20.25

Average Analysts Share Price Target: $22.74

Upside Potential: 12%

YTD Performance as of December 1: 118.92%

Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ:RUN) is one of the largest residential solar companies in the United States. It designs, installs, finances, and maintains home solar systems and also offers battery storage, which has become a major growth driver as homeowners look for backup power and protection from rising utility bills. The company sells its products directly to consumers through online channels, retail partners, field marketing, and referrals, and it has expanded into multi family and new home projects as well. Founded in 2007 and based in San Francisco, Sunrun now serves more than 1.1 million customers.

Investors have taken renewed interest in the stock after Guggenheim upgraded Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ:RUN) to Buy with a $27 price target, saying the recent pullback offers an attractive entry point. The analyst also highlighted strong prospects for capital returns starting in 2026, which suggests improving long term profitability.

The company’s latest earnings report added to the positive momentum. Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ:RUN) delivered Q3 EPS of $0.06, beating expectations of $0.01. Management emphasized that customer growth, strong demand for battery storage, and disciplined cost control are driving better margins and consistent cash generation. Sunrun posted its sixth straight quarter of positive cash generation, produced $1.6 billion in subscriber value, and continued to scale its fleet of home batteries, which now gives the company 3.7 GWh of dispatchable energy and more than 8.2 GW of solar capacity on the grid.

Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ:RUN) is also benefiting from rapidly growing electricity demand in the U.S., fueled by AI data centers and the shift toward distributed clean power. Its storage programs are expanding, with 217,000 batteries already installed and new offerings like the Lunar Energy system and the Flex plan boosting customer satisfaction and recurring cash flow.

From an investment point of view, Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ:RUN) offers a mix of strong operational improvements, growing storage adoption, consistent cash generation, and clear visibility into future revenue. After a major rally this year, the stock still has room to run based on analyst targets and improving fundamentals. It is one of the more interesting names to watch in the residential solar space as part of a broader search for the best solar energy stocks to invest in now.

03. Nextpower Inc. (NASDAQ:NXT)

Current Share Price as of December 1: $91.62

Average Analysts Share Price Target: $104.65

Upside Potential: 14%

YTD Performance as of December 1: 150.81%

Nextpower Inc. (NASDAQ:NXT) is emerging as one of the most compelling names in solar tracking technology and easily fits into any list of the best solar energy stocks to invest in now. The company builds advanced solar tracker systems that help panels follow the sun for higher energy output. Its product lineup includes NX Horizon, its flagship tracker, and NX Horizon XTR, which is designed for slopes and uneven terrain. The company also offers software tools such as TrueCapture and NX Navigator that help solar operators improve performance and manage their sites more efficiently.

For investors, several key points stand out. The business is growing at an impressive pace. In the latest quarter, revenue reached $905 million, up 42 percent from last year, while earnings came in stronger than expected with EPS of $1.19 versus the forecast of $0.99. Management also highlighted record bookings, a backlog of more than $5 billion, and rising demand for its new technologies across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Nextpower Inc. (NASDAQ:NXT) is also expanding its product lineup into AI, robotics, and electrical systems, which helps it capture more value from each solar project.

Nextpower Inc. (NASDAQ:NXT) closed the quarter with $845 million in cash and no debt, which gives it strong financial flexibility for future expansion. Analysts remain confident as well. Deutsche Bank recently increased its price target to $109 and maintained a Buy rating.

With rapid growth, a solid balance sheet, and a product suite that aligns with the global shift toward clean energy, Nextpower Inc. (NASDAQ:NXT) stands out as a strong contender for investors looking at the best solar energy stocks to invest in now.

02. Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SHLS)

Current Share Price as of December 1: $8.39

Average Analysts Share Price Target: $10.63

Upside Potential: 27%

YTD Performance as of December 1: 51.72%

Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SHLS) is a major supplier of electrical balance of system (EBOS) equipment used in large solar and battery storage projects. The company designs and manufactures components such as plug and play cable assemblies, combiners, disconnects, monitoring systems, and battery storage solutions. Its products help solar developers reduce installation time, lower project costs, and improve long term system reliability. Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SHLS) sells to engineering firms, utilities, solar developers, independent power producers, and OEM partners in the U.S. and international markets.

The company delivered a solid Q3 with record revenue of $135.8 million, up 32.9 percent from last year. Shoals also booked $185.4 million in new orders, pushing total backlog and awarded orders to a record $720.9 million. Management highlighted strong demand visibility, with about $575 million already scheduled for shipment over the next four quarters. This supports healthy revenue growth into 2026.

Margins held steady, with adjusted gross profit at 37 percent and adjusted EBITDA of $32 million. Profitability is improving, but the company continues to deal with higher legal costs related to ongoing litigation and wire insulation “shrinkback” remediation. Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SHLS) spent $11.9 million on remediation during the quarter and expects some additional work ahead, though management noted good progress in resolving customer issues.

A few positives stand out for investors. First, demand in the U.S. utility scale solar market remains strong, supported by long project pipelines and rising electricity needs from AI data centers and industrial onshoring. Second, Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SHLS) is expanding internationally, with active projects in Latin America and Australia and a pipeline that now exceeds 20 gigawatts. Third, the company is growing into new markets such as commercial & industrial solar, OEM partnerships, and battery energy storage solutions. Shoals already has about $18 million of BESS orders in backlog and sees real opportunity in grid firming and data center storage applications.

Analyst sentiment remains supportive as well. Guggenheim’s Joseph Osha recently lifted his price target on Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SHLS) to $12 from $8 while reiterating a Buy rating after reviewing the company’s latest Q3 results. He noted that while the updated valuation multiple looks somewhat stretched, expectations for 2026 earnings still seem too conservative based on recent discussions with management.

On the financial side, cash flow improved, the company generated $19.4 million in operating cash for the quarter, and net debt declined slightly. Shoals is also transitioning into a new consolidated manufacturing facility, which should improve efficiency over time.

Overall, Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SHLS) offers a mix of rising demand, expanding product opportunities, international growth, and improving profitability. With the stock up 47 percent year to date but still trading below analyst targets, I believe it remains an interesting pick for investors looking at the Best Solar Energy Stocks to Invest In Now, especially those focused on the long term growth of the solar supply chain.

01. Array Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARRY)

Current Share Price as of December 1: $7.51

Average Analysts Share Price Target: $10.85

Upside Potential: 44%

YTD Performance as of December 1: 24.34%

At the top of our list of six best solar energy stocks to invest in now stands Array Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARRY). It is a leading global supplier of solar tracking systems used in utility scale solar projects across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Australia. Whether its single axis DuraTrack system or its dual row H250 tracker, the company’s products help solar developers boost energy output, lower installation costs, and improve system reliability. Founded in 1987 and based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Array Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARRY) is one of the most established players in the solar hardware segment.

The company reported another strong quarter with Q3 revenue hitting $393 million, up 70% from last year. Volume rose 56%, and the recent APA acquisition added $17 million in sales. Year to date revenue has already crossed $1 billion, surpassing all of 2024. Profitability also improved, with adjusted EBITDA reaching $72 million, the second highest in Array’s history. The order book climbed to $1.9 billion, reflecting strong demand from major U.S. utility scale projects and heavy adoption of new products like OmniTrack, SkyLink, and Hail XP, which now make up nearly 40% of total orders.

Operationally, the company benefits from a flexible supply chain with more than 150 suppliers worldwide. Array has been shifting key components, such as torque tubes and steel parts, back to U.S. manufacturing to reduce tariff exposure and qualify for IRA incentives. Tariff impacts have now been reduced to less than 14% of its typical bill of materials, and its expanded facilities in New Mexico and Ohio should support lower costs and faster delivery. Management also highlighted strong customer engagement and growing multi year commitments from Tier 1 developers, which supports demand into 2026.

Analysts remain positive on the stock. UBS recently raised its price target to $15 from $9 and kept a Buy rating, citing strong U.S. utility scale project demand driven by rising energy needs from AI data centers. The firm expects Array Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARRY) to remain a key beneficiary of this trend.

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Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. This article is for informational purposes only. Investing involves risk, and you may lose money. Always consult a licensed professional. See our full disclaimer. The article is originally published on TheRichStocks.com.