The Efficiency Tax

Every energy transformation pays a tax in waste heat. This isn't a flaw in our engineering — it's mandated by the Second Law of Thermodynamics.

Here's how much useful energy survives in common devices:

• Electric motor: ~90% efficient
• LED light bulb: ~40% (light), 60% heat
• Solar panel: ~20% (electricity), 80% heat
• Car engine: ~25% (motion), 75% heat
• Incandescent bulb: ~5% (light), 95% heat.