Andrew Burger

Investor interest in residential and commercial solar companies, third-party funds and projects fueled a strong Q2 of solar energy investment.

Aiming to clean up air pollution and spur manufacturing and sales of new clean energy vehicles, the new mandate requires electric vehicles (EVs) account for at least 30% of local government new vehicle purchases between 2014-2016.

Shares of NextEra energy Partners surged 28% higher on their first day of NYSE trading, further evidence of strong investor interest in solar, wind, and renewable energy.

The world's largest manufacture of silicon solar PV products, Yingli Green Energy stands to gain as worldwide demand for solar power continues to rise. Fierce competition, international trade disputes, and scaling back of incentives in key markets threaten Yingli's drive for profitability, however.

Nasdaq investors are giving Abengoa Yield Plc a warm reception, bidding shares up from an initial offering price of $29 to over $36.