Many investors see renewable energy as a source of growth for the next few decades. Energy companies are ramping up investments in wind, solar and other renewable energies. One thing that separates renewable energy from fossil fuels is that it needs to be stored differently. A great way to take advantage of this trend could be the best energy storage stocks.

Energy storage is needed because of the ups and downs of renewable energy sources. For instance, it is not always sunny over solar panels. And though some places are better for wind than others, the wind comes and goes.

When wind and sun energy are more than users need, the power is stored. Then, when wind and sun are scarce and cannot keep up with demand, users can access the stored energy. In other words, energy storage smooths out the ups and downs of the power given to us by mother nature.

Best Energy Storage Stocks

Wind and solar power are not new. Years ago, the technology used to convert energy was new and costly. In fact, companies used windmills over a century ago to grind wheat and cut lumber. More recently, wind and solar energy have been converted to electricity.

As the growth of renewable energy continued, so did the technology. The technology has advanced to a point where costs are low enough that full-scale renewable energy is finally possible.

Because these forms of renewable energy are more cost-effective, countries around the globe have begun to set renewable energy goals and incentives. For instance, the U.S. has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas pollution by 2030. Other major countries have also joined the party. Officials in the European Union and China have also set similar goals.

Today, wind, solar and other renewable energy make up only a fraction of the energy produced around the globe. That means renewable energy and energy storage stocks may have a long road of growth ahead of them.

Another trend that could favor these top energy storage stocks is the trend of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles use electricity storage like a gas car uses a fuel tank. The driver plugs the electric car in, and the battery stores energy. Growth in electric cars could also mean growth in energy storage stocks.

Energy Storage Stocks

Industry analysts expect energy storage to grow at a rapid 31% through 2030. They expect the U.S. to make up almost half of the growth. If the potential growth of energy storage stocks has interested you, here are a few stocks to consider.

• Eos Energy Enterprises (Nasdaq: EOSE): Eos is a clean energy company that focuses on battery manufacturing. The company makes aqueous zinc batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The batteries are one of the most efficient battery systems out there. One of the main problems with lithium-ion batteries is that they can sometimes catch fire. Eos’s batteries are non-flammable. Though Eos is early in developing its battery systems, its systems could be used widely in industrial settings and renewables. This will definitely be a top battery energy storage stock to watch in the years to come.
• Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA): Readers may know Tesla for their popular electric vehicles. But the company also makes rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage for power plants. Tesla’s battery sales have been growing fast. In fact, the company began building a new facility to make more batteries to keep up with demand. Tesla has been leading the way in clean energy so it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the best energy storage stocks.
• Stem (NYSE: STEM): Stem makes batteries that go into electrical power grids. The company’s sales grew at an eye-popping rate over the last few years. Though the company is still very young, there is potential for huge growth. This energy storage stock could benefit as utility companies move faster toward renewable energy sources.

Risks

Like the renewable energy market, many energy storage stocks are new. These companies may still be making and developing products that have not been tested yet. When new companies start, they need a huge amount of money to get things going. If the company cannot make enough sales to cover its costs, it could fold before it even gets off the ground.

Even if the company grows sales right off the bat, they still have to make a profit for years to come. If an energy storage company cannot make a profit even as sales go up, the stock could suffer.

While you’re looking, you probably saw that there are many energy storage stocks out there. You’re not alone if you’re looking for energy storage stocks because of the enormous growth potential. Many of the folks who notice the trend are the same folks who start energy storage companies.

The Bottom Line on the Best Energy Storage Stocks

With the worldwide push towards clean and renewable energy there will be plenty of investment opportunities to go alongside. And energy storage stocks are just one piece of an already huge industry that has the potential to grow even more alongside the renewable energy trend.

However, as previously mentioned, with all new technologies there is risk when it comes to investing. So make sure to do your own research and due diligence before making any investment decisions.