LED Bulb could illuminate the developing world

[pokerfan]

1.6 billion people in the world still use kerosene lamps for light. Not only are they non-renewable and expensive — they can consume up to 5% of a family’s income — they also give off noxious cancer-causing fumes that amount to the emissions of 30 million cars. Nokero plans to improve air quality and reduce global warming emissions by replacing the unhealthy use of kerosene with their durable, rainproof, solar powered LED light bulb. They hope that this low cost, rechargeable light bulb will improve lives in the developing world by allowing people to kick kerosene to the curb.

http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/10/rainproof-solar-led-bulb-could-illuminate-the-developing-world

[bahrbearian]

1. Not just for the developing world

I plan on getting a few of these,

[pokerfan]

2. These are also cool

Hand Crank Lantern - Two minutes of cranking equals almost two hours of illumination.

http://www.nextag.com/Dorcy-LED-Dynamo-Hand-558701524/prices-html

[depakid]

4. I'm in the process of putting two extremely bright sets in for reverse lights

Kind of a pain, because I have to adapt a mounting for them in the tail light- but they put out WAY more light with less amps- and the current ones are basically worthless out in the bush.



Total Luminous Intensity = 84LM
Test Voltage = 14.2v (capable of 9~40vDC)
Current on Test = 2.84w at 14.2vDC (200mA)
Viewing Angle = 95 Degrees
Colour Temperature = 7000k

[slampoet]

3. I have been asking for LED lights at my local Home Depot for three years. I end up buying online.

[HillWilliam]

5. We've been replacing CFL's with LED's slowly over the last year

and, yeah, more often than not we have to order online. Lowes is carrying more LEDs and that makes obtaining them a lot easier. The quality of the light has improved immensely. We're nearly all on LEDs now. When we first took over this house, the electric bills were between 350-450/month and now we're down to about 150/month and still cutting. We're not doing without -- just thinking about what we're doing very carefully. We've got a solar water heater, but getting the tank for the danged thing seems to be problematic. When that's done, there'll be another chunk off the footprint. It's amazing what can be done with no budget.

When my rightard acquaintances sneer at my efforts, I point out that while they're doling out wads of cash to big electric, big oil, etc, etc, I'm keeping more of my money in my pocket and (innocent blink-blink) isn't that the whole point of conservative economics? (snicker)

[pokerfan]

6. LEDs are certainly coming down in price

I'm seeing them under $20 per bulb now but they're still way more expensive than CFL (I see three packs for under $10 now). Granted, LED are about twice as efficient but even CFLs represent a huge improvement over incandescent.

The rule of thumb I've been using:
Incandescent: 40W
CFL: 10W
LED: 5W
(If you've got more up-to-date numbers, I'm happy to hear them.)

I'm not happy about the mercury content in the CFLs so I intend to start switching to LEDs when they come down a bit more.

[WinkyDink]

7. How do older eyes fare with these to read by?