Interesting chart Clifford.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighting_efficiencyMore complete chart, also in keeping with my experience with lighting.
CCCFL is or works the same as florescent lights, I have never seen one reported to be more efficient than a CFL or florescent light. I don't think I would trust the report.
Now if they were explaining they had a better drive system to achieve the higher efficiency then I may accept their numbers. Or some explanation of why theirs is better...
What I have seen is the larger florescents will have the better lumen/watt than the smaller. 30-60w.
CCFL is used as internal lighting in PC mod kits, if you look at the current draw along with light output you can see they are not as good as CFL. Mostly due to the electronic drivers used. Cheap.
Considering Base line efficiency is great but, when adding in the cost the numbers can change. Depends on goals. For very limited applications a 12v light can be the best choice.
For others inverter + $2 CFL makes for a better deal.
The link above has a 3w LED at 65 lumen/watt, I wonder if the 5w LED will be better?
I used a 12v CFL in the entry way to a hunting lodge, where the inverter was.
Maybe I will change it over to a 3w LED!
Rest of the lighting is inverter + 120v CFL (14) + LED night lights.
The choice was:
15 * $14 = $210 (best price for 12v CFL 11w, smaller than I wanted)
$14 + 14 * $2 + $28 = $70, one third of the cost. 120v CFL were 14 -22w.
Not quite as efficient, but the 10% loss could be tolerated.
The price difference paid for the 24w solar panel, battery and charging controller.
Used on weekends, recharged during the week. Not a typical application.
Inverter off at night and most of the day.
Have fun,
Scott.