EMCORE (EMKR)

Emcore's solar technology has the highest conversion rate of sunlight to energy of any commercially available solar technology. Efficiency is a major concern for solar energy's long-term viability, so this is a major advantage for Emcore as it attempts to differentiate itself from other competitors in the solar energy space. Many believe Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) technology offers the next stage in the evolution of solar power. Emcore has created an improved CPV technology that provides a greater amount of energy per square surface area at a lower overall cost than that of it's competitor's CPV, First Solar (FSLR).

Fiber optics is the next big thing in home entertainment. Telecom companies like Verizon and Comcast are have developed this technology and are marketing it aggressively as a triple-play upgrade for residential and business customers (high speed internet, cable television, and phone service). Emcore will find a niche in this growing market, and its fiber optics profits will grow and supplement its solar business.

Emcore's use of gallium arsenide allows it to avoid rising costs from the silicon shortage. Its focus on this material sets it apart from many competitors in the solar industry who rely on silicon.