The solar power industry is no doubt a fascinating long-term thesis; future solutions for global energy needs, ones that involve alternatives to oil-based platforms, will be in demand. Even so, that doesn't mean I have to like LDK Solar (LDK) after its fourth-quarter report.

According to TheFly.com, LDK Solar didn't score a win in the analyst expectations game. The call was for 12 cents per share. On an adjusted basis, the Chinese solar entity brought in only 3 cents per share. The top line was okay, but as indicated, margin quality wasn't necessarily the greatest. According to Reuters, management is counting on margin improvement in the coming year. That's cool.

"The solar sector has been notably weak, including First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR)," says Stephen Leeb. Despite the setback, the editor of The Complete Investor rates the stock a high risk buy.

"First Solar is one of the few whose earnings outperformed consensus estimates: its fourth-quarter results reported yesterday after the market's close were nearly 25% better than estimates.

"First Solar made $1.61 per share this past quarter; Wall Street was expecting $1.30 per share. Revenues were also ahead of estimates, although the company reduced 2009 revenue estimates by about 10%, citing short-term credit concerns for customers.

"Suntech Power Holdings (NYSE: STP), one of our long-time favorites, is now back on our buy list after being driven down in price by U.S. market volatility and the fallout from a recent earnings report," notes Jim Trippon.

The editor of The China Stock Digest explains, The company is world leader in the manufacture of photovoltaic solar cells and solar electric systems. And, it is developing a new technology to increase solar efficiency." Here is his review.

"The company's solar cells are used to supply power to the electricity grid within China, and it's the number one company in the Chinese solar energy industry. The company's systems also provide dependable power internationally for mobile phone networks and telecommunications relay stations and even street lamps in case of power outages.

"Certainly China is in desperate need of clean renewable sources of energy. Residents of major cities like Beijing and Shanghai are constantly enveloped in a choking cloud of smog. Beijing has said it wants a tenth of its energy to come from environmentally friendly sources by 2010.

"The problem with solar energy has always been the high cost of manufacturing solar cells relative to the amount of power output per cell. Suntech is attacking that problem with rigorous cost control and the competitive advantages that low cost Chinese manufacturers enjoy in the international arena.