Rockefeller Christmas Tree Is Lit With Energy-Saving Bulbs

November 29, 2007 4:08 p.m. EST

New York, NY (AHN) - The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lit during a ceremony Wednesday night using energy-efficient bulbs and a solar panel for the first time.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the Radio City Rockettes lit the 84-foot tall Norway spruce shortly before 9 p.m. while people gathered to await performances by Celine Dion, Josh Groban and Tony Bennett.

Bloomberg announced last week that New Yorkers would enjoy the first "green" Rockefeller Center Christmas tree this year.

About 30,000 multicolored LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, were used to light the tree instead of the usual incandescent bulbs. The energy-saving bulbs is expected to reduce consumption from 3,510 kilowatt hours to 1,297 kilowatt hours per day, a savings that is equivalent to what a family would use in a month in a 2,000-square-foot home.

A new solar energy roof has been installed on 45 Rockefeller Plaza to help power the lights on the tree. The roof is the largest in privately owned solar roof in Manhattan, and will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2,000,000 pounds over its 30-year lifespan.

A star nearly 10 feet in diameter and decorated with 25,000 Swarovski crystals rests on top of the 60-year-old tree, which will be made into lumber for homes by Habitat for Humanity after spending 42 days on display.

This is the 75th tree lighting ceremony at the Rockefeller Center. The tradition began in 1931, when workers put up a tree in what was then a muddy construction site.