10 Best Solar for January 2026
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Market Overview & Selection Criteria
The energy sector, particularly renewables and power utilities, shows strong momentum amid global shifts toward sustainable power. ValueSense analysis highlights stocks with compelling intrinsic value gaps, quality ratings above 4.9, and exposure to solar, renewable, and electric power themes. These top energy stock picks were selected using ValueSense's proprietary screener criteria: high ROIC where positive, favorable intrinsic value versus implied market pricing, diverse market caps from $4.5B to $56.4B, and 1Y returns ranging from -52.7% to 175.2%. Methodology emphasizes undervalued stocks in commodities and renewables, filtered for FCF generation potential, margin profiles, and debt health. This watchlist targets best value stocks in power generation for educational analysis.
Featured Stock Analysis
Stock #1: Vistra Corp. (VST)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $56.4B |
| Quality Rating | 6.2 |
| Intrinsic Value | $116.1 |
| 1Y Return | 10.4% |
| Revenue | $4,037.0M |
| Free Cash Flow | $2,381.0M |
| Revenue Growth | (75.2%) |
| FCF margin | 59.0% |
| Gross margin | 39.6% |
| ROIC | 5.0% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 0.0% |
Investment Thesis
Vistra Corp. (VST) stands out with a $56.4B market cap and Quality rating of 6.2, presenting a robust profile in the power sector. Its intrinsic value of $116.1 suggests significant undervaluation potential based on ValueSense metrics. Despite a 1Y return of 10.4%, strong Free Cash Flow of $2,381.0M and exceptional FCF margin of 59.0% underscore cash generation strength. Revenue stands at $4,037.0M with a Gross margin of 39.6% and ROIC of 5.0%, bolstered by zero Total Debt to Equity at 0.0%. This positions VST as a stable energy play with balanced fundamentals for investors analyzing power utilities.
The 75.2% Revenue growth reflects sector volatility, yet high profitability metrics indicate resilience. VST's metrics align with VST analysis seekers looking for undervalued opportunities in commodities-tied power.
Key Catalysts
- Exceptional 59.0% FCF margin driving cash returns
- Zero debt-to-equity ratio 0.0% enhancing financial flexibility
- Solid ROIC at 5.0% signaling efficient capital use
- Large $56.4B market cap for stability in energy shifts
Risk Factors
- Sharp Revenue growth decline of 75.2% amid market pressures
- Modest 1Y return of 10.4% versus sector high-flyers
- Dependency on power demand cycles
Stock #2: First Solar, Inc. (FSLR)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $29.4B |
| Quality Rating | 7.4 |
| Intrinsic Value | $182.2 |
| 1Y Return | 47.1% |
| Revenue | $5,050.6M |
| Free Cash Flow | $614.5M |
| Revenue Growth | 31.2% |
| FCF margin | 12.2% |
| Gross margin | 40.0% |
| ROIC | 16.2% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 6.2% |
Investment Thesis
First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) boasts a $29.4B market cap and top-tier Quality rating of 7.4, making it a standout in solar energy. Intrinsic value of $182.2 highlights undervaluation, supported by a strong 47.1% 1Y return. Revenue of $5,050.6M grew 31.2%, with Free Cash Flow at $614.5M (12.2% margin), Gross margin of 40.0%, and impressive ROIC of 16.2%. Low Total Debt to Equity of 6.2% adds to its appeal as a renewable stock pick. This analysis reveals FSLR's growth trajectory in solar manufacturing.
FSLR analysis benefits from positive growth and profitability, positioning it among best solar stocks for diversified portfolios.
Key Catalysts
- Robust 31.2% Revenue growth in renewables
- High Quality rating 7.4 and 16.2% ROIC
- Strong 47.1% 1Y return momentum
- Healthy 40.0% Gross margin profile
Risk Factors
- Moderate FCF margin at 12.2% limits aggressive expansion
- Solar sector competition pressures
- Debt-to-equity at 6.2% requires monitoring
Stock #3: Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $20.9B |
| Quality Rating | 6.7 |
| Intrinsic Value | $33.2 |
| 1Y Return | 149.4% |
| Revenue | â©97.3T |
| Free Cash Flow | â©1,457.4B |
| Revenue Growth | 5.3% |
| FCF margin | 1.5% |
| Gross margin | 60.9% |
| ROIC | 6.3% |
| Total Debt to Equity | N/A |
Investment Thesis
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP) features a $20.9B market cap and Quality rating of 6.7, with intrinsic value at $33.2. Exceptional 149.4% 1Y return underscores momentum, alongside massive Revenue of â©97.3T and Free Cash Flow of â©1,457.4B (1.5% margin). Gross margin shines at 60.9%, ROIC at 6.3%, though Total Debt to Equity is N/A. This positions KEP as a global power utility for KEP analysis in commodities.
Steady 5.3% Revenue growth supports its role in top stocks to buy now within international energy.
Key Catalysts
- Stellar 149.4% 1Y return performance
- High 60.9% Gross margin efficiency
- Scale with â©97.3T Revenue base
- Solid 6.3% ROIC generation
Risk Factors
- Low 1.5% FCF margin constrains cash flow
- N/A debt metrics warrant caution
- Currency and geopolitical exposures
Stock #4: Nextracker Inc. (NXT)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $13.7B |
| Quality Rating | 7.3 |
| Intrinsic Value | $36.9 |
| 1Y Return | 134.9% |
| Revenue | $3,373.2M |
| Free Cash Flow | $603.6M |
| Revenue Growth | 20.4% |
| FCF margin | 17.9% |
| Gross margin | 33.2% |
| ROIC | 38.4% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 0.0% |
Investment Thesis
Nextracker Inc. (NXT) has a $13.7B market cap and Quality rating of 7.3, with intrinsic value of $36.9. Impressive 134.9% 1Y return pairs with Revenue of $3,373.2M (20.4% growth), Free Cash Flow $603.6M (17.9% margin), 33.2% Gross margin, and standout 38.4% ROIC. Zero Total Debt to Equity 0.0% bolsters its solar tracker profile for NXT analysis.
High returns make NXT a key undervalued growth stock in renewables.
Key Catalysts
- Exceptional 38.4% ROIC leadership
- 134.9% 1Y return surge
- 20.4% Revenue growth trajectory
- Debt-free balance sheet 0.0%
Risk Factors
- Solar supply chain dependencies
- High growth may pressure margins
- Valuation stretch post-rally
Stock #5: Westlake Corporation (WLK)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $9,561.8M |
| Quality Rating | 4.9 |
| Intrinsic Value | $216.3 |
| 1Y Return | -33.6% |
| Revenue | $11.5B |
| Free Cash Flow | ($126.0M) |
| Revenue Growth | (5.3%) |
| FCF margin | (1.1%) |
| Gross margin | 8.6% |
| ROIC | (5.8%) |
| Total Debt to Equity | 7.5% |
Investment Thesis
Westlake Corporation (WLK) carries a $9,561.8M market cap and Quality rating of 4.9, with high intrinsic value of $216.3. Despite -33.6% 1Y return, Revenue of $11.5B and negative Free Cash Flow of $126.0M (-1.1% margin) show challenges, with 8.6% Gross margin and -5.8% ROIC. Total Debt to Equity at 7.5% suggests caution in chemicals-energy crossover for WLK analysis.
Potential rebound ties to commodities recovery among value stocks.
Key Catalysts
- Attractive $216.3 intrinsic value upside
- Large $11.5B Revenue scale
- Low 7.5% debt-to-equity
- Sector cyclical recovery potential
Risk Factors
- Negative ROIC -5.8% and FCF -1.1%
- -33.6% 1Y return decline
- 5.3% Revenue contraction
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Stock #6: Brookfield Renewable Corporation (BEPC)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $7,121.3M |
| Quality Rating | 5.7 |
| Intrinsic Value | $420.6 |
| 1Y Return | 44.2% |
| Revenue | $4,142.5M |
| Free Cash Flow | ($801.3M) |
| Revenue Growth | (1.9%) |
| FCF margin | (19.3%) |
| Gross margin | 48.7% |
| ROIC | 1.3% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 139.5% |
Investment Thesis
Brookfield Renewable Corporation (BEPC) has $7,121.3M market cap, Quality rating 5.7, and lofty intrinsic value $420.6. 44.2% 1Y return offsets Revenue $4,142.5M (-1.9% growth), negative Free Cash Flow ($801.3M, -19.3% margin), 48.7% Gross margin, and 1.3% ROIC. High Total Debt to Equity 139.5% flags leverage in renewables for BEPC analysis.
Investment opportunities lie in renewable asset growth.
Key Catalysts
- Massive $420.6 intrinsic value potential
- 44.2% 1Y return strength
- Strong 48.7% Gross margin
- Renewable energy tailwinds
Risk Factors
- Negative FCF (-19.3% margin)
- High 139.5% debt-to-equity
- Low 1.3% ROIC
Stock #7: Ormat Technologies, Inc. (ORA)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $6,786.1M |
| Quality Rating | 6.1 |
| Intrinsic Value | $77.1 |
| 1Y Return | 64.5% |
| Revenue | $944.2M |
| Free Cash Flow | ($398.7M) |
| Revenue Growth | 6.1% |
| FCF margin | (42.2%) |
| Gross margin | 28.3% |
| ROIC | 2.9% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 7.4% |
Investment Thesis
Ormat Technologies, Inc. (ORA) features $6,786.1M market cap, Quality rating 6.1, intrinsic value $77.1, and 64.5% 1Y return. Revenue $944.2M (6.1% growth) contrasts negative Free Cash Flow ($398.7M, -42.2% margin), 28.3% Gross margin, 2.9% ROIC, and 7.4% Total Debt to Equity. Geothermal focus aids ORA analysis in clean energy.
Growth supports stock watchlist inclusion.
Key Catalysts
- 64.5% 1Y return performance
- Steady 6.1% Revenue growth
- Manageable 7.4% debt-to-equity
- Geothermal niche strength
Risk Factors
- Deep negative FCF margin -42.2%
- Modest 2.9% ROIC
- Capital-intensive operations
Stock #8: Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd (ENLT)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $5,921.6M |
| Quality Rating | 6.7 |
| Intrinsic Value | $27.0 |
| 1Y Return | 175.2% |
| Revenue | $487.2M |
| Free Cash Flow | ($966.4M) |
| Revenue Growth | 36.0% |
| FCF margin | (198.4%) |
| Gross margin | 59.6% |
| ROIC | 5.2% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 230.8% |
Investment Thesis
Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd (ENLT) has $5,921.6M market cap, Quality rating 6.7, intrinsic value $27.0, and top 175.2% 1Y return. Revenue $487.2M grew 36.0%, but Free Cash Flow ($966.4M, -198.4% margin), 59.6% Gross margin, 5.2% ROIC, and 230.8% Total Debt to Equity highlight risks in solar development for ENLT analysis.
High growth appeals to aggressive energy stock picks.
Key Catalysts
- Leading 175.2% 1Y return
- 36.0% Revenue acceleration
- High 59.6% Gross margin
- 6.7 Quality rating
Risk Factors
- Severe -198.4% FCF margin
- Elevated 230.8% debt-to-equity
- Project execution risks
Stock #9: Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $4,746.6M |
| Quality Rating | 5.8 |
| Intrinsic Value | $7.4 |
| 1Y Return | 34.8% |
| Revenue | $2,387.7M |
| Free Cash Flow | ($309.7M) |
| Revenue Growth | (7.0%) |
| FCF margin | (13.0%) |
| Gross margin | 73.9% |
| ROIC | 2.5% |
| Total Debt to Equity | N/A |
Investment Thesis
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN) shows $4,746.6M market cap, Quality rating 5.8, intrinsic value $7.4, and 34.8% 1Y return. Revenue $2,387.7M (-7.0% growth), negative Free Cash Flow ($309.7M, -13.0% margin), 73.9% Gross margin, 2.5% ROIC, N/A debt. Utilities stability fits AQN analysis.
Dividend potential in best value stocks.
Key Catalysts
- Impressive 73.9% Gross margin
- 34.8% 1Y recovery
- Utility sector defensiveness
- 5.8 Quality rating
Risk Factors
- Negative FCF (-13.0% margin)
- 7.0% Revenue decline
- N/A debt transparency
Stock #10: Enphase Energy, Inc. (ENPH)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $4,536.0M |
| Quality Rating | 6.5 |
| Intrinsic Value | $37.9 |
| 1Y Return | -52.7% |
| Revenue | $1,512.4M |
| Free Cash Flow | $217.3M |
| Revenue Growth | 21.0% |
| FCF margin | 14.4% |
| Gross margin | 48.3% |
| ROIC | 22.5% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 124.0% |
Investment Thesis
Enphase Energy, Inc. (ENPH) has $4,536.0M market cap, Quality rating 6.5, intrinsic value $37.9, despite -52.7% 1Y return. Revenue $1,512.4M (21.0% growth), positive Free Cash Flow $217.3M (14.4% margin), 48.3% Gross margin, 22.5% ROIC, but 124.0% Total Debt to Equity. Solar inverter leader for ENPH analysis.
Recovery potential in solar stock picks.
Key Catalysts
- Strong 22.5% ROIC
- 21.0% Revenue growth
- Positive 14.4% FCF margin
- 6.5 Quality rating
Risk Factors
- -52.7% 1Y return drop
- High 124.0% debt-to-equity
- Microinverter market volatility
Portfolio Diversification Insights
These 10 best energy stocks cluster in renewables (FSLR, NXT, BEPC, ORA, ENLT, ENPH) and power utilities (VST, KEP, AQN), with WLK adding chemicals diversification. Sector allocation: 70% renewables/solar, 30% traditional power/commodities. High performers like ENLT (175.2% 1Y) balance laggards like ENPH -52.7%, reducing volatility. Zero-debt names (VST, NXT) offset leveraged plays (BEPC, ENLT). Market caps span large ($56.4B VST) to mid ($4.5B ENPH), enabling broad exposure. Cross-references: Solar leaders FSLR/NXT complement utilities KEP/VST for portfolio diversification in undervalued stocks.
Market Timing & Entry Strategies
Consider entry during energy sector dips, targeting intrinsic value discounts >20% (e.g., BEPC at $420.6). Monitor renewable policy shifts for catalysts like ENLT/FSLR. Scale in on FCF-positive names (VST, FSLR, NXT) amid volatility; use dollar-cost averaging for high-debt profiles (BEPC, ENPH). Track ROIC leaders (NXT 38.4%) for momentum plays, avoiding overbought post-rallies (KEP 149.4%). Educational market timing favors Q1 energy demand cycles.
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FAQ Section
How were these stocks selected?
Selected via ValueSense screener focusing on intrinsic value, Quality ratings (4.9-7.4), ROIC, and energy sector themes like solar and power for stock picks analysis.
What's the best stock from this list?
ENLT leads with 175.2% 1Y return and 6.7 Quality rating, though NXT's 38.4% ROIC offers balanced strength—compare via ValueSense tools.
Should I buy all these stocks or diversify?
Diversify across renewables 70% and utilities 30% to balance growth (FSLR 31.2%) and stability (VST 59.0% FCF margin) in your stock watchlist.
What are the biggest risks with these picks?
Negative FCF in several (e.g., ENLT -198.4% margin), high debt (BEPC 139.5%), and sector volatility like VST's 75.2% revenue drop.
When is the best time to invest in these stocks?
Target policy-driven rallies or undervaluation spikes (e.g., WLK $216.3 intrinsic), using ValueSense charting for entry strategies in energy transitions.