[Exclusive] The Path of LED Lighting Subsidies

　　Governments in many regions of China have implemented subsidy policies for LED lighting products, mostly focused on large LED enterprises and bulk users. For example, in 2013, the total government subsidies received by the six major LED lighting enterprises approached 300 million; Guangdong Province, at the forefront, introduced a subsidy plan last year to vigorously promote the application of LED lighting products. Among them, Foshan Chancheng provided 15 million in subsidies for LED lighting products, the maximum subsidy for a single project in Dongguan reached 10 million, and Zhongshan fully subsidized the electricity savings from LED projects. However, regarding LED subsidy policies, Zhang Haicong, Honorary President of the Shanghai Illuminating Engineering Society, clearly stated: "Government subsidies should not be given to enterprises, but should be directly subsidized to ordinary people."

　　China Light Network previously introduced a very unique product — the LED bulb released by Philips last December, the 10.5W SlimStyle, which looks very different from the incandescent and energy-saving lamps we commonly see — because it's flat! This design goes somewhat against convention, and even drew some mild mockery from other manufacturers:

　　However, this product truly reflects Philips' emphasis on product design: stylish and flat, suitable for wall lamps, table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers or ceiling lamps. Originally priced at $9.97, the SlimStyle has recently been reduced to $8.97 at Home Depots nationwide. In addition, Philips announced a few days ago that its SlimStyle LED has received Energy Star certification. As a result, this flat bulb now qualifies for tax rebates in some regions of the United States. This news means that many consumers will be able to purchase the SlimStyle LED for less than $4 — a very attractive price.

　　1992年美国环保署（EPA）将“能源之星（Energy Star缩写为ES）”作为一项自愿性标志项目推出。因此ES目前在美国仅仅是一个鼓励性计划，无强制性，其目的是确认能源高利用率产品，减少温室气体排放。

　　针对飞利浦的SlimStyle，能够提供即时退税的洲包括康涅狄格，印第安纳州，马萨诸塞州，密歇根州，内华达州，新泽西州和犹他州，等等。每个地区提供的退税额度是不一样的。飞利浦声称，至少有一个地区的消费者现在可以只花费1.97美元就能购买到SlimStyle。这种独特的、扁平的灯泡采用中功率LED，以消除与使用高功率LED的烦琐散热器。灯泡估计一年花费电费只为一美元（使用寿命额定为25,000小时）。

　　SlimStyle LED灯的发光色温为2700K、800流明、CRI 80、，可以带来一种温暖柔和的白光，今年三月，飞利浦宣布其等效75W和100W灯泡也获得了能源之星认证，在回扣之前这些灯的售价低于20美元和25美元，飞利浦表示，每年出售等效75W灯超过9000万只，而全美国约有25％的灯泡为100W。更多关于SlimStyle LED灯的内容请点击：【拆解】飞利浦SlimStyle球泡灯

　　Sam Anand, Director and President of New Zealand lighting company AVANTI Lighting, said that the company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Auckland, mainly providing lighting design services for hotels in Australia and New Zealand. He pointed out that Australia and New Zealand have great demand for lighting products, with energy-saving LED lamps as the main product type: "The New Zealand government provides enterprises with subsidies for purchasing environmentally friendly lighting products, driving local demand."

　　Companies Have Their Say

　　Major energy-related companies in Taiwan are offering suggestions for energy policy, launching a "National Power Saving Mobilization." Delta Electronics Chairman Hai Yingjun called on enterprises to start with their own energy-saving efforts, with the government setting stricter energy consumption standards; Epistar Chairman Li Bingjie suggested that enterprises and the public switch to LED energy-saving products, which can offset 30% of taxes, encouraging people to replace. Previously, LED manufacturers had suggested the government subsidize the public to purchase LED lamps, but considering the government's current tight finances, they plan to suggest that the government use tax incentives to quickly achieve the national power saving mobilization.