Clean energy was expected to struggle in 2025 as higher rates, inflation, and subsidy cuts weighed on the sector.

Instead, solar and clean power stocks surged, helped by rising electricity demand and the rapid expansion of AI data centers. That momentum has carried into 2026, with investors still chasing growth tied to long term power needs.

Clearway Energy Group stands out as a diversified clean energy operator with exposure to wind, solar, geothermal, and hydro. A major long term power agreement with Google highlights growing interest from AI hyperscalers, while a steady dividend adds a defensive angle. The stock has climbed sharply but still benefits from predictable cash flows.

NextPower has become one of the strongest solar equipment stories in the market. The company has beaten earnings expectations for years, built a multibillion dollar backlog, and raised forward guidance. Shares surged in 2025 and have continued higher in 2026 as momentum reaccelerated.

Bloom Energy emerged as a breakout winner last year as fuel cells became critical to data center power needs. Backlog growth and raised guidance signal demand remains strong, even after recent profit taking pulled shares back.

Ormat Technologies and Shoals Technologies round out the list as key infrastructure plays. Both benefit from the push for reliable, around the clock clean power, with upcoming earnings seen as important catalysts for the next leg higher.