The LED, mercury-free bulb won the Bright Tomorrow competition organised by the US Department of Energy, which aimed to identify more efficient alternatives to the 60 watt incandescent lamp. A $10m prize was awarded to Philips.
Yesterday, which was Earth Day, the new Philips bulb appeared on the shelves of many American stores. The bulb was on sale for $20 at an introductory discount.
The production of 100 watt bulbs stopped in the USA and Europe, as has production of the 60 watt bulb allowing for more widespread and greater energy efficiency.
Photo by Gordon Wrigley
