Clean energy ETFs became hugely popular in 2007. But they’ve been taking a beating since this August, when crude oil prices began to fall from their year highs.

Nevertheless, Jim Stanton says alternative energy — and the wind-energy market in particular — has a big future. Wind energy is already the second largest source of new power generation in the US, and it now has the backing of the much-hyped Pickens Plan.

Jim says two clean-energy ETFs that look undervalued right now are PBW and GEX. He also recommends FAN for a more wind-specific ETF. 

As of today crude oil prices are down 36% from their July peak.

David Fessler says a fall in global demand is temporarily driving crude lower. But population and income growth will restore global demand for energy soon. This means the US will have to compete with emerging giants China and India for supplies.

David says the only long-term solution is to find cheaper alternative energy sources. When Congress realizes this shares in companies such as Clean Energy Fuels Corp (NASDAQ:CLNE) and Vestas Wind Systems (OTC:VWSYF) take off.

Martin Denholm says wind power is taking off in the US. And big players such as T. Boone Pickens and Michael Blooomberg are throwing their weight behind the industry.

For investors who want to minimize risk in a relatively new industry, Martin recommends General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Siemens AG (NYSE:SI). These blue chips are making significant investments in wind energy projects.

Meanwhile, small-cap AeroVironment (NASDAQ:AVAV) is well placed in the emerging market of home and office-based wind power generation.

Importing the majority of America’s energy needs is not an option for the next president, says energy and oil expert Byron King. Higher capital costs for nuclear and coal-based energy projects relative to wind, solar and geothermal development will favor these ‘green’ technologies. The possibility of caps on carbon emissions will also weigh heavily on the coal industry.

The exciting news this week was that the U.S. economy is not actually in crisis. ***Our insatiable thirst for oil and dependence on other countries to supply us with black gold has presented us with outstanding investment opportunities during this energy crisis. ***At times like these, we wonder what the US government would do for a budget like the Chinese. *** The mob lined up to hurl a few more stones at Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac (FRE) this week.