Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of solar specialist SunPower (Nasdaq: SPWRA) are up more than 11% today after the company said the tragic events in Japan wouldn't affect its ability to produce photovoltaic cells for customers.

So what: The rally follows two days of losses on speculation that Japanese suppliers would be unable to help SunPower meet demand here and abroad, Reuters reports. Even with the rally, the stock is down roughly 1.5% over the past week.

Now what: Expect further gains from here, if only because of political hand-wringing over nuclear power. Hysteria could move politicians and political organizations to fight for massive amounts of new solar funding.

No doubt a real debate about the future of nuclear is needed, but now isn't the time. Investors looking at SunPower should look at its growth opportunity with the long term in mind.

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