Look, I get it. Clean energy stocks have been about as reliable as your friend who says they’ll “definitely be there in 10 minutes” while still in their pajamas. But here’s the thing – 2025 was actually pretty decent for the green stuff, and some smart money thinks 2026 could be even better.
Peter Krull, who runs Earth Equity Advisors (they manage $150 million, so they’re not exactly playing with Monopoly money), just dropped his top 5 clean energy picks for 2026. And honestly? His track record suggests we should probably listen.
The clean energy sector crushed it last year with a 46% gain while the S&P 500 managed a respectable but less exciting 16%. Not bad for an industry that everyone thought would get steamrolled by Trump’s “drill baby drill” energy policy.
Here’s Krull’s shopping list:
MYR Group (MYRG) – The unsung hero of the electrical grid. These folks build the power lines that’ll carry all that clean electricity (and AI data center juice) around the country. Think of them as the plumbers of the energy world, except way more profitable. Up 53% last year, and Krull thinks the AI boom will keep them busy for the next decade.
Recursion Pharmaceuticals (RXRX) – Okay, this one’s a curveball. It’s not exactly solar panels, but they’re using AI to revolutionize drug development (and they care about sustainability, apparently). They partnered with Nvidia to build a supercomputer that could cut drug development costs in half. Down 44% last year, so it’s either a bargain or there’s a reason everyone’s running away. Krull calls it “riskier” – translation: buckle up.
First Solar (FSLR) – The OG solar play. These guys are sold out through 2026, which is either really good business or really bad planning. Probably the former, considering they’re up 43% and have a year-long backlog. Sometimes the obvious play is obvious for a reason.
Hannon Armstrong (HSAI) – Think of them as the venture capitalists of clean energy infrastructure. They finance the companies building wind farms and solar installations. Up a modest 13% last year, but Krull thinks they’re positioned perfectly for the infrastructure buildout that’s coming.
Rivian (RIVN) – The electric truck company that’s trying to be Tesla but for people who actually need to haul stuff. Their upcoming R3 models target the budget EV market that Tesla seems to have forgotten exists. Up 18% last year after some serious volatility. Krull loves their CEO, which in startup land is basically half the investment thesis.
The bottom line? Climate change isn’t going anywhere (unfortunately), and neither is the need for clean energy. Whether it’s AI data centers sucking up power or countries trying to hit their carbon goals, someone’s got to build the infrastructure. These five companies are betting they can be that someone.
Just remember – past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, your mileage may vary, and always invest responsibly. Or as Krull would probably say: the clean energy transformation is happening whether politicians like it or not.