"The trick within the solar sector is to home in on the stock within the group that has the best shot at putting on a great show," says Paul Goodwin.

The editor of Cabot China & Emerging Markets Report explains, "And we think that stock is LDK Solar (LDK), a company that is displaying and forecasting some of the most dynamic growth of any company we follow -- solar or not.

"LDK Solar got its start in 2005 and came public during the glory days of 2007-the stock nearly tripled from its IPO in June to its top that fall. The company's claim to fame was its polysilicon and ingots, two of the base supplies needed to make most solar cells and modules.

"Ultracapacitors are lighter and more powerful than batteries, 10 times more powerful by size as well as 10 times lighter," notes Brendan Coffey.

The editor of Cabot Green Investor explains, "Within this market, Maxwell Technologies (MXWL) is a San Diego-based company whose patent-protected ultracapacitors are denser -- and therefore able to hold more energy -- than those of its competitors.

"In a simplified comparison of how powerful and quick Maxwell's ultracaps are, a lead acid battery takes 10 hours to fully charge. A lithium ion battery will charge in about an hour.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"Cree Inc. (CREE), a semiconductor equipment company based in Durham, North Carolina, is my top investment idea for the coming year," says trading specialist Rick Pendergraft.

The editor of Cabot Options Trader explains, "The stock has experienced tremendous growth in the last few years with a long-term growth rate of 22%.

"Cameco (CCJ) is a Canadian miner and the second largest producer of uranium in the world," says Brendan Coffey.

The editor of the Cabot Green Investor explains, "However, the company is more than just a uranium miner. It also operates further up the nuclear supply chain, and has a goal of continuing to expand its related services.

"The company delivered 16% of world demand in 2009 and is aiming to double production by 2018. It has 'proven and probable' uranium reserves of 480 million pounds, enough to meet nearly three years of current global demand.

"China is quickly becoming the global leader in the development and production of alternative energy technologies," says Keith Fitz-Gerald.

The editor of The New China Trader suggests, "One way to play the trend is with Advanced Battery Technologies (ABAT), which engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of rechargeable polymer lithium-ion (PLI) batteries.

"Founded in September, 2002, Advanced Battery Technologies is officially based in New York. However, it also keeps executive offices in Beijing and Hong Kong, while its manufacturing facilities are in China -- so for all intents and purposes this is a Chinese company.

"The real magic behind lithium is that, pound for pound, this featherweight metal can store more electric energy than just about any other material," notes Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of The ETF Authority explains, "That has made lithium the battery maker's best friend. And portable electronics, power grid infrastructure and hybrid vehicles are a powerful 1-2-3 punch that could send demand soaring.

"Unlike gold, silver and other metals, it's virtually impossible to invest directly in lithium. There are no lithium trading pits, no futures contracts, and no way to take physical possession. Global X Lithium Fund (LIT), a recently launched exchange-traded fund, is the next best thing.

"Cree (CREE) is a leading provider of light-emitting diodes (LED) and related technology; in my view, the company is in an excellent position to benefit from the "Green Revolution" taking place in the lighting industry," says Geoffrey Seiler.

The editor of BullMarket.com explains, "Operationally, the Durham, North Carolina-based company delivered solid results for the quarter ended June 27th, which was its fiscal fourth quarter of 2010.

"The company announced last night that it earned $52.8 million, or 48 cents per share, up from $9.7 million, or 18 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

"Now is the ideal time to pick up shares of high-quality European companies; not only are valuations attractive at these levels, but earnings could also surprise to the upside in an environment where global growth remains strong," says international specialist Yiannis Mostrous.

The contributing editor to Personal Finance explains, "Once such top European bargain is water and waste-management firm Veolia Environement (VE).

"Europe accounted for three-quarters of Veolia's revenues in 2009, with France accounting for roughly half that total. But the company's main business lines have relatively light exposure to economic cyclicality and may benefit from European austerity.

"The clean up from the BP oil spill will be involved, costly and very long; one company involved is Clean Harbors (CLH), which is the market share leader in hazardous waste services and a leader in overall environmental remediation," says Brendan Coffey, a specialist in "green" investing.

The editor of Cabot Green Investor explains, "Given the scope of the Deepwater Horizon well disaster and the established reputation of Clean Harbors, we suspect the company will benefit for months if not years to come.

"Clean Harbors is a well-run company that was founded by current CEO Alan Kim in 1980 as a four-man outfit dedicated to cleaning out oil tanks. Last month, the company sent a phalanx of employees to begin cleanup efforts in the Gulf.

Trina Solar (TSL) has had a rough couple of years. After a $10 IPO in 2006, it flew up to peak at $35 in 2007 only to bottom out under $4 at the end of 2008. It was partially the broader market that held back Trina, but also speculation over the viability of solar power as oil prices softened.

Trina Solar nearly became a bear market statistic. But the company has fought back from less than $3 a share to its current $25 price, and there are a lot of reasons to think that Trina Solar is making a comeback. In fact, it's one of my favorite small-cap stocks to buy this earnings season -- and here are five reasons why:

"New York-based Veeco (VECO) is one of three major providers worldwide of specialized equipment to the LED and solar industries, along with other instruments for measuring on a nano-scale level, in the pharmaceutical, data storage and materials science fields," notes Brendan Coffey.

The editor of The Cabot Green Investor explains, "The company has been involved in thin-film deposition for 30 years and has amassed a portfolio of 300 intellectual patents that help maintain at least something of a wall against competitors."

This post is part of a special report, Top Picks for 2010, the 27th annual survey in which TheStockAdvisors.com asks the nation's leading advisors for their single favorite stock for the new year. See all 80 stocks listed here.

Michael Cintolo, editor of The Cabot Market Letter and The Cabot Top Ten Report, looks to the alternative energy sector for his favorite investment idea for 2010.

The growth stock expert explains, "I consider American Superconductor (AMSC) to be the #1 wind power story in the market today." Here's his review.

This post is part of a special report, Top Picks for 2010, the 27th annual survey in which TheStockAdvisors.com asks the nation's leading advisors for their single favorite stock for the new year. See all 80 stocks listed here.

Vita Nelson is well-known as a leading expert on dividend reinvestment plans. With the caveat that she always recommends portfolio diversification, the editor of The MoneyPaper looks to utility stock FPL (FPL) as a top selection for 2010.

Nelson explains, "We make a point of recommending that people don't pin their hopes on just one stock (which might underachieve in the short run).

"Water, one of the most precious of resources, continues to be the most mispriced," says Neil George.

In his Profits Hidden in the News advisory, he explains, "Millions of Americans are drinking dangerous water from the tap." Here, he looks at two ways to profit as this situation gains attention.

"The US Environmental Protection Agency has recently updated its data on US municipal water and, as with previous surveys and reports - the news is not good. In fact, for wide swaths of the US population - including those in the nation's capital - its flat out scary.

"A smart grid is one of the holy grails of 'green' technology, enabling utilities to deliver resources when and where they're needed and reduce resources when they're not," says Brendan Coffey.

In The Cabot Green Investor, he explains, "There are larger companies in the smart metering arena, but Echelon (NASDAQ: ELON) has posted some significant wins in the marketplace recently and appears primed to generate more."

"Right now, grids are set up to provide as much power as needed at peak times, all the time. Studies show that when customers are part of a smart grid, and have more information to reduce energy usage, demand is slashed by up to 50%, particularly in areas where rates are discounted depending on the time of day.