The next generation lighting solutions are definitely coming of age as Lighting Science Group Corporation, the American company specializing in LED lighting, announced the development of an energy efficient, low cost 60-watt replacement LED bulb, in partnership with Light Prescriptions Innovators LLC (LPI (News - Alert)).
The company informed the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and also submitted the bulb for testing to win the Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize (L Prize) competition. The bulb design is based on patented and patent-pending technologies developed by both companies.
The Lighting Science Group, headquartered in Satellite Beach, Florida, offers green and energy efficient solutions for the market and also retrofit LED lamps in form factors that match the form factor of traditional lamps/bulbs and LED luminaries for a range of applications including public and private infrastructure for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Fred Maxik, founder and chief technology officer of Lighting Science Group said, "This bulb is yet another example of how Lighting Science Group is revolutionizing the science of light to produce LED products that deliver on the promise of LED technology and further its widespread adoption, right here in America. We are confident that our LED bulb developed in partnership with LPI meets or exceeds all of the criteria for the L Prize, making it a strong contender to win the competition..."
In addition to a significant cash prize, the first manufacturer to fully meet the competition's requirements will also be in consideration for federal purchasing agreements, utility programs and other incentives. Not only that, the stakes involved are much higher. On a national scale, it also means less reliance on imported fossil fuels, greater national energy security, reduced pollution, and more innovation-driven clean-tech American jobs.
According to DOE, an LED replacement for the approximately 425 million 60-watt incandescent bulbs sold each year could save 34 terawatt-hours of electricity in one year. That is enough to power the lights of 17.4 million U.S. households and avoid an annual 5.6 million metric tons of carbon emissions.
Roberto Alvarez, chief executive officer and president of LPI, which is a leader in the field of non-imaging optics, said, "We applaud the U.S. government for challenging the industry through this contest to develop affordable and ultra-efficient LED bulbs that meet real-world user demands."
As this 2010 report says, incandescent light bulbs might be seeing the end of their days as store shelves are getting filled by LED alternatives. Companies like GE have even come up with LED Bulbs that might serve up to 17 years.
Anita Bora is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Anita's articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Jennifer Russell
