Energy Department awards $4.2 million to 3 California lighting companies

Three California companies will receive $4.2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to fund the development of high-efficiency lighting. Soraa Inc. and Cree Inc., both in Goleta, along with Philips Lumileds Lighting Co. in San Jose, were awarded the money to accelerate the deployment of technologies such as light-emitting diodes, or LEDs.

LEDs can be 10 times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and up to 25 times longer-lasting.

"These investments in cutting-edge lighting technologies will support American innovation, create new manufacturing jobs for U.S. workers and help ensure that the United States leads the world in this rapidly evolving industry," U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement released Tuesday. "These next-generation lighting technologies have the potential to transform the way we light our homes and businesses and generate enormous energy and cost savings for families and businesses across the country."

The DOE investment announcement comes in advance of the federally mandated phase-out of incandescent light bulbs. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 bans 100-watt incandescents beginning in 2012 and 60- and 40-watt incandescents in 2014. Under a provision of the act, California began phasing out 100-watt incandescents earlier this year. The state will scrap the 75-watt bulb next year, the 60-watt bulb in 2013 and the 40-watt bulb in 2014. Each replacement must use about a third less energy and must last at least 1,000 hours.

According to the DOE statement, Soraa, which is receiving $678,000, will develop LEDs that generate more light with greater efficiency. Cree, which will be given $1.6 million, will research high-output, warm-white LEDs. Philips, receiving almost $2 million, will investigate high-voltage, low-current LED designs.

RELATED:

IKEA stops selling incandescent light bulbs

California phasing out 100-watt incandescent light bulbs

-- Susan Carpenter

Photo: LED lightbulb. Credit: Osram Sylvania

Comments

[Javelin]

Our system works by having entreprenuers bring to market innovative products or services. The consumer then decides thru their patronage whether or not the offered services & products are worth having. If they are then competitors will arise and we'll get the best prices & the best products. How then does having an appoointed government official using taxpayer money without congressional approval at only companies that back the current President benefit that system? Doesn't it instead falsely promote companies with products & services that aren't strong enough to be brought to market elsewise? How is this being a FREE market? Sounds like Socialism to me!!!

[Home Made Wind Turbines]

It is good to see attention being given to energy conservation. Have it be homemade wind turbines or in this case the light bulb. It is nice to see us, as a country, to begin leading instead of conquering.