There are many different ways investors can invest their money. Some require a high level of risk but have a potential higher payoff. Other investments have a lower risk and a potentially lower payoff. I would recommend doing thorough research before investing any money. I would research what the average pay outs for investments are in the short term and the long term.
Look at trends over time to see if the investment is stable or volatile. Then look at the investment itself to see if you are able to foresee any reasons for future declines or increases. For example, even if solar power has not seen huge payoffs in the past, you may believe solar power will be a good future investment.