DoE Announces 'L Prize' For Solid-State Lighting

erikaaboe notes that the US Department of Energy has announced a competition to develop efficient solid-state lighting technology. The "L Prize" program will allocate as much as $20 million in cash prizes for innovations to replace the common light bulb. Further details are available at the L Prize website. From the press release: "Lighting products meeting the competition requirements would consume just 17% of the energy used by most incandescent lamps in use today. The plan also includes a rigorous evaluation process, including testing of proposed products by independent laboratories (conducted through DOE's CALiPER test program), as well as field evaluations by DOE and utility partners to assess products in real world conditions. Four major California utilities ... have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with DOE, agreeing to work cooperatively to promote high-efficiency solid-state lighting technologies."

Re:Err , LEDs?

[montyzooooma]

Google for "led grow lights" and you'll see plenty of panels. I'm using a fluorescent set-up at the minute but can't wait for LED to become more mainstream. And I'm not even growing pot, just capsicum.

Re:Solid-state?

[mrbluze]

Wouldn't it be assumed all modern light bulbs are 'solid-state' and will continue to be?

Nope, the one in my fridge is a little man who makes sure there's light when I open the door, for the small cost of mysteriously eating up all the chocolate custard only hours after I put it in there. He's not solid state.

The guy in the freezer is solid state, though

So...

[MassiveForces]

Anyone got any bright ideas?

Re:Solid-state?

[Jurily]

The guy in the freezer is solid state, though

I treat my annoying neighbors that way, too.

Re:So...

[somersault]

I read the headline and summary as being about solid state 'lightning' for about half a minute before realising what was actually going on. Solid state lightning would be great for a Thor halloween outfit, and distracting your coworkers (as well as giving them internal burns)

Re:Sooo.....

[Anonymous Coward]

Solid-State lighting is already fairly common, at least in Canada

Ah. that explains what makes Canadian chicks look cool.

LEDs?

[192939495969798999]

1. buy LED lights from thinkgeek.
2. Mail into DoE.
3. Profit?

Re:Why not fluorescents?

[Anonymous Coward]

I drive a small efficient motorcycle and I still hate you guys.

Re:Sooo.....

[Intron]

Which part of "liquid crystal" matches with "solid state"?