The clean energy market is relatively new, and there’s no way to know what companies will be the belles of the ball. But rather than try to predict which specific companies will prosper, you can invest in clean energy ETFs and gain wider exposure to the industry as a whole.
What are clean energy ETFs?
Clean energy ETFs are exchange-traded funds that invest in stocks in the alternative energy sector, which may include solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal companies. Like other types of funds, clean energy ETFs can easily diversify your portfolio. ETFs also tend to be less expensive than mutual funds.
Best-performing clean energy ETFs
Below is a list of the best-performing clean energy ETFs from the past year.
The best-performing clean energy ETF by one-year return is Global X Hydrogen ETF (HYDR), which is up 130.57%. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ticker | Company | Performance (Year) | ||
HYDR | Global X Hydrogen ETF | 130.57% | ||
CTEX | ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF | 113.27% | ||
PBW | Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF | 92.43% | ||
CNRG | State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF | 85.47% | ||
QCLN | First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund | 84.26% | ||
CTEC | Global X ClimateTech ETF | 78.90% | ||
Source: Finviz. Data is current as of July 1, 2026, and is intended for informational purposes only. | ||||
» Excited about clean energy ETFs? Here are the best online brokers for ETF investing
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Why invest in clean energy ETFs
With so many automakers committing to making electric vehicles, the long-awaited “green revolution” may have arrived.
Clean energy ETFs offer access to energy companies without having to pick and choose stocks yourself. If you want, you can find clean energy ETFs that specialize in solar or wind, or just opt to invest more broadly across the alternative energy industry.
And while many of these ETFs have five years' worth of data, renewable energy is still a relatively new field. Rather than purchasing single stocks in this field ETFs spread out your risk and help diversify your portfolio. That way, you're not relying on a single company.
Want to go beyond ETFs? Explore the top-performing renewable energy stocks
Neither the author nor editor held positions in the aforementioned investments at the time of publication.
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