Some positive analyst ratings are out this morning.  Here’s the rundown:

Hat tip to StreetInsider.com for the analyst comments.

First Solar (FSLR) gets a Buy rating from Merriman Curhan.  The firm says, “First Solar is a leading provider of thin film solar technology primarily serving the power utility market and continues to command cost leadership at $0.87/watt vs. its silicon-base solar peer group at $2.50/watt. Solar is rapidly becoming a critical alternative energy solution with First Solar quickly becoming one of the dominant players in the solar market. We believe investors need to own FSLR as a core holding in an investment portfolio.”

SunPower (SPWRA) gets a Buy rating from Merriman Curhan.  The firm says, “SunPower is a leading vertically integrated solar cell and module maker with the highest efficiency commercially available solar panels. Solar is rapidly becoming a critical alternative energy solution with SunPower quickly becoming one of the dominant players in the solar market. We believe investors need to own SPWRA as a core holding in an investment portfolio.”

Oppenheimer initiates coverage on A-Power Energy (APWR) with an Outperform.

HSBC upgrades Yingli Green Energy (YGE) from Neutral to Overweight.