Green Up Your Investment Portfolio with Wind Power Stocks

Wind energy is a major component of the alternative energy movement, and an important part of energy independence. Wind farms are being built across the country and around the world with incentives from both multiple levels of government. As the necessary transmission infrastructure is constructed, wind energy will become a major source of power. Wind power is still in its infancy, and could be an excellent long-term investment. Investing in wind energy allows you to go green with a portion of your investments, and be a part of energy reform. This guide provides information on publicly traded companies that are developing wind energy. Before investing, be sure to do your own research on the company. Because this industry is still in its infancy, many wind energy stocks are speculative and traded on less regulated exchanges. This is not a comprehensive list of publicly traded wind energy companies, and will lead you to other potential investments. It is meant to provide information, and is not a recommendation for stocks you should purchase.

America's Wind Energy (AWNE) - America's Wind Energy distributes wind turbines across North America. The company is involved in projects with a range of partners from commercial wind farms to municipal power projects. AWNE is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board.

General Electric (GE) - General Electric Company is a leader in the wind power industry. The company has more than 13,500 wind turbine installations around the globe. In addition to wind energy, General Electric has a range of technologies that any investor should consider. GE is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Nacel Energy (NCEN) - Nacel Energy Corporation is an Arizona based wind energy company. Specializing in 10-30 MW projects, the company has projects in multiple states and is working to expand internationally. NCEN is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board.

PowerShares Global Wind Energy Portfolio (PWND) - This is an exchange traded fund (ETF), which gives diversification in a single investment. PowerShares' wind energy portfolio indexes companies from around the world. PWND is traded on NASDAQ.

Vestas Wind Systems (VWSYF) - Vestas is a global leader in wind energy, with offices on every continent except Africa. The company has installed more than 40,000 turbines, accounting for 12.5% of the market share. Vestas Wind Systems' stock is traded on the Pink Sheets.