The Vote Solar Initiative and the Center for Resource Solutions, two San Francisco-based non-profits, are finalist for a $5 million prize from American Express.

The Vote Solar Initiative and the Center for Resource Solutions, two San Francisco-based non-profits, are finalist for a $5 million prize from American Express.

Their project, "Harvest the Sun", aims to fight global warming by bringing solar energy into the mainstream. In the US, that means building on recent successes such as the California Solar Initiative--which provides $3.3 billion in incentives to build one million solar roofs, and establishes critical solar-friendly regulations like net metering, interconnection standards, and fair rate design--by replicating the model in other states. And overseas, that means establishing a solar banking system to harness global carbon markets to help finance solar for small customers. The net effect is to grow the scale, radically reduce the price, and jumpstart the transition to solar energy.

"Solar is the fastest growing energy source in the world and holds great potential to fight global warming—but there is still a lot of work to be done in order to bring the technology to scale," said Adam Browning, Executive Director of The Vote Solar Initiative. "$5 million dollars would make an enormous difference, essentially allowing us to quintuple our staff—and results."

The contest is organized by American Express, and voting is eligible to cardholders. The winning project will receive up to $5 million. 'Harvest the Sun' beat out hundreds of competitors and made the top 25. The next round of funding ends July 22.

More details on the American Express Members Project can be found here:
http://www.membersproject.com/home.action

Details on 'Harvest the Sun' can be found here:
http://www.membersproject.com/Environment_Wildlife/715