Promotional image of the L Prize winning bulb. (via Philips)
Back in 2007, the US Congress started what’s known as the L-Prize, which is a competition run by the Department of Energy to design efficient solid-state lights to replace the aging incandescent light-bulb. Contestants who take on the challenge are to design replacements for the PAR 38 halogen incandescent bulb ($5,000,000 US in prize money) as well as the standard 60 watt bulb ($10,000,000 US in winnings). Out of all the contestants that entered, Phillips took the top prize for the replacement of the 60 watt bulb as they were the only company who entered. Their L-Prize winning 60 watt LED bulb (with 940 lumens) only eats about 10 watts of power making it more efficient as well as cost effective by saving the consumers a whopping $8.00 annually (per bulb used). The newly designed bulb is set to go on sale on Earth Day (4/22) of this year (2012) at a price point of $50.00 US. This price may be reduced in the future if utility companies subsidize the bulb, which may in-turn offer rebates, which would bring the price down even further.
Seems like buying a "green" lightbulb is a major decision.
Eavesdropper
