[coolidge]

I am a caretaker for a large estate. We are currently working on getting the outdoor tree lights working again. They actually work fine but 17 of the 24 need new bulbs. I found the bulbs but they are $47.73 each, and we wanted to order 24 for a total of $1,145.00. Is there an alternative bulb we can use? Currently a EYE R50W Mercury Vapor.

 

[Yoyizit]

Is there an alternative bulb we can use? Currently a EYE R50W Mercury Vapor.

Seems like alternatives are a popular idea. . .
http://www.alleghenypower.com/CSC/Services/Mercury_Vapor_Replacement.asp

The obstacle to replacement/upgrade/whole-new-system may be the good-money-after-bad dilemma. . .
". . .sunk costs should not affect the rational decision maker's best choice. . ."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunk_costs

With no definite failure point this replacement decision gets a little iffy:
"Mercury vapor lamps rarely burn out completely but suffer from lumen depreciation. The lamp produces 50% less light every five years, to the point of becoming ineffective while still drawing the same amount of power it drew when it was new. This comes about because the Emitter is Deposited as a Dark Film Darkening the Arctube Wall and Reducing Light Output."

 

[Scuba_Dave]

I have switched my outside lights to CFL
I use a 65w CFL bulb in a new fixture - it came as a package
It said comparable to 500w & it puts out a lot of light
If the fxtures are not really decoartive I woudl look into swapping them out

MV bulbs are specific to the fixture
IE a 250w fixture has a ballast installed & must take a 250w bulb
Seems like from your spec it is only a 50w bulb?

If these are old fixtures the bulbs may not be in great demand
The bulbs they sell the most of are lower in price
Is that a case price?
Many places offer a lower price if you are buying a case