What is the Future of the Light Bulb and LEDs? |
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Since 1879 when Thomas Edison created the first incandescent bulb, our main light source has been that pear shape medium based incandescent appliance bulb. This inefficient bulb will soon be banned in countries around the world. California and Canada will ban the sale of incandescent bulbs by 2012. Australia will have them banned by 2010. These governments understand that incandescent bulbs are five times less efficient than compact fluorescent lamps and light emitting diodes (LEDs) are up to five times more efficient than compact fluorescents. |
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Why Get Rid of the Incandescent Light Bulb?Lighting in all forms consumes over 20% of the electricity produced in the United States according to the US Department of Energy. If the majority of the US began to switch to the LED source for their main light out put it could cut energy costs in half by 2027. This energy savings is equivalent to the use of 500 million barrels of our ever so precious oil. This would drastically reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases that are creating the warming trend known as global warming. Light bulb life comparison:
Are we Ready to Make the Switch to LEDs?The LED technology is still rapidly progressing as the costs are dropping. Over the last two years the LEDs have doubled in energy efficiency and brightness according to the leading LED manufacture Cree, Inc. There is some time before the LED will produce a light that will resemble the yellowish tone like the warm and comfortable incandescent lamp. The costs of LEDs are still to high for the average consumer. A 5.8 watt LED medium based bulb is $50.00 which is equal to a 25watt incandescent bulb that can be purchased for under a dollar at your local super market. The commercial industry has already taken to the LED savings, in Portland, Oregon they replaced over 90% of all their traffic lights. In 2001, this Energy Savings Project cost Portland 2.2 million dollars and had an annual energy and maintenance savings of $ 400,000.00 this would have a net payback with in less than 3 years. As well as there cost savings Portland has reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced accident liability from burnt out lamps and reduced added waste from burnt out lamps in their landfill areas. How will Compact Fluorescent Lamps fit in to the Energy Wise Trend?I believe the light source of choice over next 3 to 7 years will be compact fluorescent lamps. Compact fluorescent lamps are about at the right price and the color tones of the light emitted is getting very close to that of the incandescent replacement. There is currently a variety or decorative light fixtures for residential applications and the energy savings is currently five times that of incandescent. CFLs are definitely a step in the right direction. What changes can you make now to increase energy efficiency in the lighting in your home? | |||
 Article created on May 24 by colby
in: Light Bulbs Lighting
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