The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which editor/analyst Isaac Pino and editor/analyst Austin Smith discuss topics across the investing world.

In today's edition, Austin and Isaac look at the world of renewable energy, specifically the announcement that the U.S. overtook China in clean energy investment in 2011. Solar led the way, but rising inventory levels have caused prices to tumble. Going forward, which companies will benefit from investments in renewable energy in 2012? Isaac suggests a couple of conglomerates and a low-cost operator to keep an eye on.

The retail sector is full of industry winners and losers. To learn about a few, we invite you to take a look at The Motley Fool's special free report: "The Death of Wal-Mart: The Real Cash Kings Changing the Face of Retail." In it, you'll see which retailers are able to consistently outperform and how two cash kings are planning to ride the waves of retail's changing tide. You can access it by clicking here.