The old joke, "How many journalists does it take to screw in a light bulb?" might have no meaning for future generations. Light bulbs, it seems, may not always screw in place.

Bridgelux has developed new LED arrays that can share common components to illuminate spaces without being plugged in to a tradition light socket. The arrays are designed to replace metal lamps and high-wattage fluorescent bulbs.

They are currently intended for commercial use, with designers envisioning they will be popular at hotels and retail outlets. They have an ability to carry light a long way and illuminate large spaces.

Bridgelux president Mark Swoboda told Green Tech Enterprises, "these light sources have every bit of the oomph to create enough light. They can pretty much duplicate what the high intensity discharge lights can do."

The arrays offer even more energy savings and efficiency than CFL bulbs, and they may last longer than convention LED lighting. With this new line of LEDs, CNET reports that the amount of light per watt will improve by more than 30 percent and the costs could be reduced by between 10 percent and 30 percent.

Many industry leaders are hoping to reduce the cost of LED bulbs in time for the upcoming ban on incandescent light bulbs. Officials at Sylvania aim to have LED bulb prices down to just $10 by 2012.