Clean technology investment steady in 2011

Despite a weakened economy, capital investment in clean technology totaled $4.9 billion in the final quarter of 2011.

The clean technology industry embodies a wide range of innovations including renewable energy, electric vehicles.

Wind energy has seen a significant amount of interest, with federal tax credits creating the incentive for $17 billion annually in private investment over the past four years. Although this credit is set to expire this year, a bill has been introduced to extend it.

Solar technology saw $284.5 million in fourth quarter investment.