"I'm adding Itron (NSDQ: ITRI) to my diversified portfolio of stocks in the alternative energy space," says Elliott Gue.

In The Energy Strategist he explains, "The firm will benefit from both the HR 2454 bill (a cap-and-trade system designed to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions) and the stimulus bill which included direct subsidies aimed at promoting efficiency and building a more intelligent electric grid.

"Itron is a leading play on energy efficiency and smart grid technologies, a key, near-term component of cutting carbon emissions.

"The way to win in solar is to invest in the industry leaders and SunTech Power Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: STP) is a big as they come," says growth expert Toby Smith in his ChangeWave Investing.

"China will surpass the US as the world's largest market for wind turbines -- after doubling wind power capacity in each of the last four years.

"Chinese government mandates for cleaner energy are a big factor driving the blossoming wind and solar projects, but other forces are at work, too. Chinese power companies are loaded with cash and state-owned banks are eager to lend them more money.

A few years ago the idea that Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) would be trying to lead the green revolution among retailers would have sounded like a joke, but that is not the case anymore.

Wal-Mart has been making big strides over the past couple of years to become more environmentally conscience, and later this week we could be hearing of another big initiative from the nation's largest retailer.

"Over the past year, ITC Holdings (NYSE: ITC) has been focused on identifying ways to integrate wind and other renewable resources into the power grid," notes growth stock expert Alexander Green.

In The Oxford Club Communique, he explains, "This young company -- that despite being in the midst of the biggest economic slowdown in more than 70 years -- is taking in more than $600 million in annual revenue, enjoying 46% operating margins and experiencing 72% quarterly profit growth.

"Zero greenhouse gas emissions, 90% average availability as a power source, minimal land requirements and competitive costs: those are just a few of the advantages of geothermal power," explains Roger Conrad.

In his leading-edge New World advisory, he looks at one favorite play on the sector: Ormat Technologies (NYSE: ORA), which operates a dozen geothermal plants worldwide.

"Geothermal's chief disadvantage is geographical limitations to large-scale applications. Geothermal plants are mainly economic in areas of subsurface or volcanic activity.

"A smart grid makes use of coded signals that travel along power lines, much like DSL broadband messages move through the phone telephone," explains growth stock expert Jim Powell.

In Global Changes & Opportunities Report, he looks at two favorite plays on the development of a smart grid: Esco Technologies (NYSE: ESE) and Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR).

"In a smart grid, the signals allow electric meters to report power consumption automatically to suppliers. At the same time, signals can be sent to customer's appliances such as freezers and refrigerators to prevent them from cycling on and off at the same time.

"We are selectively taking advantage of deep values such as Waste Management (NTSE: WMI), which is selling at a compelling valuation," says Jim Stack, a safety-first money manager.

In his InvesTech Market Analyst he adds, "Waste Management displays the characteristics we search for in new investments including a distinct competitive advantage and solid financials.

"It is a giant in its industry; Waste Management is the largest solid waste management company in North America. Founded in 1894, it serves nearly 20 million customers.

"With the nation's largest network of landfills, Waste Management has significant pricing power and can charge fees to competitive waste haulers who don't own, or have access to, their own landfills.

Weakness in the euro hurt Yingli Green Energy's (NYSE: YGE) earnings, but the company still managed to top analyst expectations. Quarterly income came in at 12 cents per share, down from 15 cents per share a year ago. Nevertheless, YGE's earnings were a nickel better than the consensus estimate. Adjusted earnings hit 15 cents per share. Quarterly revenue increased 21%, checking in at $258.1 million.

The solar firm continues to estimate 2009 shipments between 550 and 600 megawatts, with gross margins coming in between 22% and 24%. The estimated gross margin would be better than last year's margins of 21.6%.

The stock is higher on the open, allowing it to continue enjoying support from its 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. In addition to this potential support, the shares are situated atop their 10-week moving average, which has bullishly crossed its 20-week counterpart. This technical formation often hints at a continued run higher. The stock may need this support, as it faces overhead resistance at the $7 level in the past -- and this level rests right in YGE's path higher.

Visit AOL Money & Finance for more earnings coverage.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"For the best risk-adjusted results we're looking at corporate bonds," says BizRadio host Daniel Frishberg, whose favorite pick for 2009 is the Energy Conversion Devices 3% convertible bond due 6/15/2013.

In The MoneyMan Report, he suggests. "These securities -- which are convertible into shares of the solar power stock Energy Conversion Devices (NASDAQ: ENER) -- could generate a major score, since the company is right in the Obama sweet spot."

"We are following the government as it moves its market manipulation up the risk curve.

"We have seen the government first buying commercial paper and short term bonds to move the Fed Funds Rate, then moving investors up the ladder to long-term Treasuries, then on to agency and high-grade corporate bonds.

"Each time, these moves have produced stock-like capital gains for investors with the knowledge to participate in these markets.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"As the government and corporations look to get more environmentally sound, they'll be turning to Tetra Tech (NASDAQ: TTEK), an environmental consulting company," suggests 'green technology' specialist Brendan Coffey.

The editor of The Cabot Green Investor explains, "Tetra Tech is the expert people turn to the figure out the nitty gritty of getting eco-projects done." Here's his review of the stock, which he selects as his favorite investment idea for the coming year.

"President-elect Obama looking to resuscitate the economy, wants to do two things at once: immediate stimulate job growth with an aid package of perhaps $700 billion while laying the groundwork for the country's long-term economy health.

"He's identified the core of that dual strategy as going green -- to wean us off oil, counteract the eventual dire effects of global warming and make the country the technological leader in alternative energy, creating five million or more jobs in the process.

President-elect Barack Obama has often repeated his stance on alternative energy. He plans to spend $150 billion over 10 years on alternative energy, not only as part of his energy independence plan, but also in order to help clean the environment, and perhaps most important of all, to create 5 million new jobs.

With Obama winning in the polls, it is no wonder that on Tuesday solar stock prices soared: SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWRA) finished the day up 14.6%, Suntech Power (NYSE: STP) also closed 13.5% higher, Evergreen Solar (NASDAQ: ESLR) closed 12.8% higher, Canadian Solar (NASDAQ: CSIQ) was up 14.7% while Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL) gained 9.1%, First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) 9.6% and LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK) 4.8%. In fact, over the past week, these solar stocks added about 50% to their value: ESLR +104%, FSLR +55%, STP +53%, SPWRA +51%, LDK +48%, CSIQ +45% and TSL +41%. [Solar stocks are down this morning, seems to me a "sell on the news" decline.]

With these kind of gains recently you might think you're too late, but solar stocks have actually been beaten mercilessly in the past year. While the S&P 500 declined some 31% year-to-date and the Nasdaq declined 33%, solar stocks plunged even worse: STP -75%, TSL -73%, ESLR -69%, SPWRA -61%, CSIQ -56%, LDK -50% and FSLR -34%.

Congress passed a bill that approved about $18 billion of renewable-energy tax credits after repeated failed attempts to do so this year, and now there will be an administration that -- if it sticks to its claims -- will be more supportive of alternative energy. The only question investors should ask, so which do I pick?

"The positive side to any correction is that it brings valuations down to earth for stocks you may have thought were out of your reach," says Genia Turanova.

The contributing editor to Stephen Leeb's The Complete Investor explains, the "Along with the energy sell-off, unregulated utilities have declined even more-to bargain levels." Here's a look at Florida-based FPL Energy (NYSE: FPL).

"FPL is one of our favorite alternative energy holdings. And with the recent selloff, its yield once again qualify the stock as a legitimate full-fledged income plays.

"And as its quarterly results indicate, the unregulated utility is relatively immune to the nation's slowdown, making them among the surest growers in the marketplace today.

"The skies over the Sunshine State have been quite dark because of the housing sector's woes and the subsequent credit crunch. As a result, the Florida-based company's adjusted earnings per share increased 'only' 8% on a year-over-year basis.

"There's no 'silver bullet' solution to the energy crisis; but there are some solutions that do work," says Sean Broderick, referring to wind and solar power.

In The Safe Money Report he says, "There are with some choice ETF to power your own bottom line." Here's a look at the two green technologies and how you can invest in these developing fields.

"Many Americans are disgusted by the fact that, faced with an energy crisis, the government seems to produce nothing but hot air. So let me give you my appraisal of two alternative energy solutions that work -- along with some choice exchange-traded funds that can power your own bottom line. Here are two energy solutions that work right now.

Solution #1: Wind Power

"Critics will point out that the wind seems to stop blowing when you want electricity most -- on hot summer days. And that is a problem. However, a study last year by Stanford University shows that wind power from interconnected farms can be used as reliable base load electric power.

"Renewable fuels and clean energy, a sector beaten down hard since last fall, are now primed for a major comeback," says Eric Roseman, editor of The Commodity Trend Alert. Here's his ETF play on the sector.

"With every passing day the price of crude oil rises, the secular trend to alternative energy becomes even more powerful. Consumers, companies and governments are now sick and tired of soaring energy prices.

"The long-term solution is to obviously reduce our dependence on oil and increase our consumption of renewable fuels like wind, solar, and nuclear energy.

"The bull market in alternative energy began in 2005 when a host of companies in this thriving sector went public, supported by government subsidies, especially in Germany and Spain. Interestingly, Germany and Spain have just reduced solar energy subsidies this spring.

"In my view, those subsidy cuts don't matter at this stage. When companies in the solar sector are making money, why should governments continue subsidizing them?

"One essential commodity that is often overlooked by investors is water," says Gregory Dorsey, contributing editor to Stephen Leeb's Income Performance Letter.

He explains, "It's absolutely vital and is in growing demand for many reasons. And we've found an excellent way for income investors to ride this trend -- Paris-based Veolia Environnement (NYSE: VE). Here is his review.

"Veolia is not your typical utility, but it's still a utility that every income investor should consider. Veolia is the world leader in the management of water and wastewater services for local governments, industrial and service sector clients.

"It's also a world leader in the design, construction and operation of facilities for water and wastewater systems. With a focus on managing the complete water cycle from extraction to treatment to waste, Veolia stands ahead of its competitors.

"But although water is the chief attraction for us, Veolia generates steady revenue and income from other businesses as well.

"Its Veolia Environmental Services covers the entire solid waste cycle, including urban cleaning services, soil and site remediation, collection, sorting, transfer, treatment and recycling/recovery and is the world's largest waste management company.