Despite a bumpy 2011, Trina Solar has increased its profits nearly 20-fold to $584 million in 2010. The Chinese solar company has made a name for itself with low-cost technology and global reach. Though its dependence on the whims of government subsidies and institutional demand for greener energy pose some risk, the company still sees big room for growth, including in Japan, Australia, India and the Middle East.

Trina is also fighting for share in the U.S. market. Earlier this summer the company made a move to ramp up its American name recognition, becoming a sponsor of car racer and actor Patrick Dempsey, and establishing a joint solar charity initiative.