By 2014, standard incandescent lightbulbs will go the way of the dinosaur, thus starting the reign of a new lightbulb, something smarter, more efficient. Introducing the new bright idea from Phillips, the super efficient LED lightbulb.
Most recently, the CFL (the ones that looks like curly pig tails) has been the most accessible replacement but, despite its energy savings, CFL’s require proper disposal because the bulbs contain mercury. Should the bulb be thrown out normally, the bulb could break and the mercury could leak into the ground and eventually make its way to the water supply. This is NOT the future.
In 2011, The Department of Energy announced that the Phillips LED bulb won the L Prize competition (Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize). On Earth day it will be available in various stores in New York City while supplies last, though the bulbs will be sold online nationwide.
The 60W bulb actually only uses 10 watts of energy and and has the same color quality as a standard incandescent. The bulb itself is touted to have a lifespan of 25 years, which would offset the initial cost of $49.97 and on top of that, the bulb would give back an energy savings of $6/year.
Plus you get to have a really cool lightbulb. Everyone has cool sneakers, computer or whatever, but how many people can say that they’ve got an awesome looking lightbulb?
Despite the positive response to the light, Phillips hasn’t sold nearly enough to be able to redeem the $10 million prize and most likely won’t be able to unless they drop prices, though they are working with several utility companies to offer $20-30 rebates on the bulbs.
There’s certainly a way to go when it comes to lighting and $50 is a pretty hefty price tag for a single lightbulb. Still, as technology advances and other companies begin to create more energy efficient bulbs, it shouldn’t be too long until the price tag drops to more affordable prices.
