"With the Obama administration looking to fund clean energy initiatives, solar energy exchange-traded funds could start to shine," says Doug Fabian in his Successful Investing advisory.

"The question now for investors is how and when to profit from the political clout of a new president who has promised to make alternative energy one of his top priorities.

"Certain solar ETFs have been on a tear of late, and one reason why we've seen a surge in the sector is due to the recent announcement by the Chinese government that it intends to support the development of solar energy.

"China's plan would offer $2.94 per watt for solar photovoltaic installations of more than 50 kilowatts. That amount may not sound like much money, but it certainly adds up fast in a huge and still vastly underdeveloped country like China.

"The spurt in solar ETF prices is reflected in the charts below of the Market Vectors Solar Energy (NYSE: KWT) and the Claymore/MAC Global Solar Energy (NYSE: TAN).

"While solar stocks have been volatile this year, they could offer good opportunities for long-term investors if governments around the world fund development. 

"But here's a word of caution. Despite President Obama's call for alternative energy initiatives and the Chinese government's announcement of its support for solar energy, analysts are divided about whether investors have enough reason to bet on the trend.

"For example, critics of China's announcement cited its lack of detail or a definitive timeline.

"With the market as volatile as ever, it is uncertain which direction solar ETFs will go next. If the United States and China choose to fund alternative energy projects, then solar ETFs have a good chance of shining. But if the funding fails to heat up, the sector could be in for some cloudy days ahead."