Recently, I’ve been looking into solar energy investment opportunities for 2026 and noticed that many people are still debating whether "it's still possible to enter now." My view is that if you are a long-term player, this point in time is actually just the beginning.

Why do I say that? Mainly because three major backgrounds are supporting this view. First, the demand for electricity from AI data centers is truly exploding; giants like NVIDIA and Amazon are building data centers everywhere, which require stable green power 24/7, so the demand for solar energy combined with energy storage has surged. Second, technology is evolving; traditional PERC solar cells are outdated, and high-efficiency technologies like TOPCon and HJT are becoming widespread, with higher conversion efficiencies naturally leading to stronger profitability. Lastly, don’t forget that the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act subsidies are entering their harvest phase in 2026, which is definitely a positive for leading companies with factories in the U.S.

If you are a short-term trader, then you should focus on policy releases and energy price trends; positive year-over-year revenue growth is usually a buy signal. The policy adjustment period after the U.S. elections, combined with the peak of AI infrastructure development, offers quite a bit of short-term momentum.

Regarding U.S. solar concept stocks, I am more optimistic about First Solar. This company uses an exclusive thin-film technology that doesn’t require silicon wafers, performing especially well in high temperatures, making it particularly suitable for large-scale power plants. Their new factory in South Carolina is entering a capacity expansion phase this year, with orders booked through 2030, and their cash flow is very stable, making them the top choice for utility-scale power plants.

Enphase Energy offers a different approach. While First Solar focuses on large ground-mounted projects, Enphase concentrates on the residential rooftop market. Their microinverters allow each solar panel to operate independently, increasing efficiency and safety. The key is that they have transformed into a "home energy management platform," and their energy storage systems are also selling well. In an environment of soaring electricity prices, they are the most direct beneficiaries.

NextEra Energy’s approach is different; it is the world’s largest renewable energy operator, with a profit model based on collecting electricity fees. As the preferred partner for AI data centers seeking green power, its characteristics include stable dividends, with dividend increases for over 30 years, making it especially attractive during a rate-cutting cycle.

On the Taiwan stock market, Yuanjing is considered more promising. They not only produce modules but also have strong themes in low-earth orbit satellites and AI power. They are a supplier of SpaceX’s solar panels, and with the surge in Starlink launches, their profit structure has significantly improved. Plus, Taiwan’s policy mandating the installation of solar panels on new buildings directly benefits Yuanjing as a local leader.

United Renewable Energy is experiencing a turning point this year. After debt reduction and technological optimization, they are beginning to harvest. They have fully entered the high-efficiency TOPCon production line, with gross margins jumping from single digits to double digits, making their base period relatively attractive.

Delta Electronics, although classified under electronic components, holds a dominant position in inverters and energy management systems in the solar field. Buying Delta is essentially buying "grid resilience," which is the intersection of green energy and AI.

There are a few key principles to remember when operating. First, avoid pure silicon wafer stocks; overcapacity in China still exists. If you buy, focus on companies with technological moats or special applications. Second, energy storage is more important than modules; simply selling solar panels makes it hard to profit. Companies like Enphase that provide complete solutions are likely to be the profit leaders in 2026. Third, pay attention to policy trends; during election or policy review periods, stay alert to the impact on green energy subsidies in various countries.

Ultimately, U.S. solar concept stocks are shifting from "policy support" to "market demand." For those seeking stable dividends, consider NextEra or Delta Electronics; for higher returns, consider Enphase and Yuanjing. However, I must remind you that geopolitical risks and interest rate fluctuations are real risks. It’s advisable to enter gradually rather than going all-in, and to carefully assess based on your financial situation.