The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) is a non-profit organization comprised of its members (state, regional, and utility energy efficiency programs) with a stated mission of “accelerating the widespread adoption of high-performing commercial lighting solutions”. The DLC maintains a list called the Qualified Products List (QPL) which includes lighting products that are available to the general public and meet a minimum set of energy efficiency and performance requirements. Inclusion on the list is often used as a minimum requirement for energy rebates awarded through utilities. There are currently 436,000 products listed on the QPL.
The DLC has a list of minimum energy efficiency and performance requirements that varies depending on the intended application of the light source. In order to list their products on the QPL, manufacturers need to be signed up for a manufacturer’s account with the DLC. As is the case for [CEC testing], test data must come from a DLC approved testing laboratory (LightLab International Allentown, LLC is an approved laboratory). If the test results meet all of the requirements, the data from the test reports can be uploaded to the DLC website for approval. DLC subsequently reviews the uploaded product information and if it is found to be in compliance with the program requirements, it is listed on the QPL.
DLC specifications usually require: