Clean technology companies are once again proving to be desirable according to a report released on Monday by research firm Clean Edge.

Investment in clean technology companies rose 46 percent to $5.1 billion in 2010. This follows a period decline in 2009 following the financial crisis. Companies attracting investment included makers of electric cars, solar panels and biofuels. There is however some way to go to match the $6.1 billion invested in the sector in 2008 before the financial crisis hit investment levels hard.

Tags: Clean Edge, clean tech, clean technology, financial crisis, VC investment