Every one is talking about investing in alternate energy markets. And understandably so, when you know that the green energy market is going to be worth billions by 2013! If you too are thinking of putting your money in alternate energy markets, you might do better if you understood the different segments of this industry, as this knowledge can help you make wiser investments.

* Of all the forms of alternate energy, wind energy has so far proved to be most cost efficient and most popular. This is a sunshine sector and the technologies involved in the generation of wind energy has become more advanced and user-friendly, no more killing of birds, as was earlier.

* The next form of energy which has become popular is the solar or photovoltaic cells. You can find its use in pocket calculators, real estate lighting, buoys used by the US Coast guard etc. With decreasing costs, solar cells are gradually finding their way to commercial buildings and large multiplexes. Even the energy efficiency of this type of alternate energy is on the rise. Another benefit of solar cells is that its use is completely pollution free. But the point to note is that photovoltaic cells are still not as cost effective in producing electricity as grid electricity. Also, they have not yet been used for industrial purposes. However, the good news is that while on one hand the costs are going down, the efficiencies of alternate energy sources are increasing.

The above information may act as eye openers for you in case you are thinking of investing in these sectors.