Do Not Be Caught Unaware: How DLC V5.1 Affects Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs

Design Lights Consortium (DLC) released its newest Solid-State Lighting (SSL) requirements (version 5.1) in an effort to increase efficiency and quality of light for qualified products. Only lamps and fixtures that qualify according to DLC V5.1 requirements will be eligible for many rebate programs, so it is important to know how this might affect any existing or upcoming lighting projects you are working on. Our lighting expert, Tim Gebel, has the who, what, when, where and why about what this means and what steps you should take.

WHO IS AFFECTED BY DLC V5.1?

For most lighting orders, this update will have no effect, but if you are working on a specific project tied into rebate program, you should be aware of these regulations. Rather than waiting until fixtures are hung, paperwork is submitted and your rebate is rejected, make sure the products you are using are on the qualified products list

WHAT PRODUCTS ARE AFFECTED BY DLC V5.1?

The most affected products are lamps and fixtures for LED retrofit applications. This update was broken up into two phases. V5.0 addressed efficacy and controllability. V5.1 focused more on light quality and dimmability. If you are planning to do a project, you should verify which DLC standard your local utility has in place to qualify products.

WHEN DID V5.1 GO INTO EFFECT?

V5.1 was released in 2020, but because of COVID-19, manufacturers had extra time to certify their products and keep them on the qualified products list. V5.1 went into effect July 1, 2022, so any products not certified to V5.1 standards are now delisted from the qualified products list. Manufacturers can still submit applications for certification, so it is possible the qualified products list can change.

WHERE CAN I FIND PRODUCTS ON THE DLC QUALIFIED PRODUCTS LIST?

If you have a question about which products will qualify for an upcoming project, reach out to your account manager. Our lighting team can then guide you through the product selection process to make sure you qualify with the utility company in your area. If you want to dive further into the technical requirements, the DLC website has more information.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

It is important to be aware of this update because it can greatly affect the total cost of a lighting project. If you are expecting thousands of dollars of rebates at the end of a project, but you are using products that are not on the qualified products list, you might be in for an unpleasant surprise depending on the utility company you are working with. Before you order material, ask your account manager for local rebate assistance.

If you have questions about an upcoming project or concerns about how DLC V5.1 will affect you, contact us to be connected to one of our lighting specialists.