Talk about energy stocks often turns to renewables -- solar, wind, geothermal, and the like. As countries around the world pivot to decreasing their reliance on fossil fuels, the renewable energy sector looks like a promising place to invest.
But what do everyday investors think about renewables? Are they investing? Will they increase their investments in the future? Are they buying, holding, or selling fossil fuel stocks? And does consumer sentiment suggest this might be a good idea?
To find out, The Motley Fool surveyed 2,000 Americans to learn about their thoughts on renewable energy.
Key findings
- More than 60% of investors own renewable energy stocks or funds, according to a recent Motley Fool survey, and another 27% say they don't but would like to.
- More than half of investors own fossil fuel stocks, and about two-thirds of those investors plan on continuing to invest in fossil fuel companies.
- Three-quarters of investors research companies' renewable energy or sustainability goals before investing.
- Consumers, homeowners, and renters find value in renewable energy -- a good sign for companies that place an emphasis on renewables.
More than 60% of investors own renewable energy stocks or funds, and the number is likely to rise
According to a recent survey from The Motley Fool, 62% of investors currently invest in renewable energy stocks or funds, and 27% don't but would like to. This means almost 90% of investors do, or probably will, invest in renewable energy stocks.
Only 10% of investors don't currently invest in renewable stocks and don't plan on doing so in the future.
This holds across most age groups and political affiliations. Investors 45 and older were split down the middle on whether they did or didn't own renewable stocks, but 70% of those who don't (totaling 35% of investors 45 and older) say they plan on it.
