Despite Financial Crisis, Clean Energy Firms Seek Capital

Written by Ucilia Wang

The fall of Lehman Brothers has raised serious concerns for renewable-energy companies seeking to raise money in the near future. But that won't stop some firms from trying.

Until it filed for bankruptcy protection last week, Lehman had been a popular underwriter for companies raising funds, by issuing shares or borrowing money. The investment bank's collapse prompted statements from companies such as SunPower (SPWR Quote) and Evergreen Solar (ESLR Quote) explaining the financial impact of Lehman's fall.

Investors said the market's turmoil will likely suppress any appetite for initial public offerings for now. Solar- and wind-energy companies also will likely find it difficult to raise money in the near future to build power plants or factories.

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Some companies don't want to wait until the markets stabilize. LDK Solar(LDK Quote), for example, announced last week that it intended to raise $200 million.