DLC Credits Feedback With Shaping the Final Tech Requirements for SSL V6.0 and Luna V2.0
Next week, the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) will be releasing the final Solid-State Lighting v 6.0 and LUNA v2.0 technical requirements comprised of changes recommended by DLC members, manufacturers, and industry experts.
In a blog post on its website, DLC expressed gratitude for those who provided insight on updates to the requirements and provided details on how those technical updates are developed.
In a post titled, “You Spoke, We Listened: How Your Feedback Shaped DLC SSL V6.0 and LUNA V2.0,” DLC noted that its mission statement “envisions a net zero future where lighting, controls, and integrated building systems enable energy savings, decarbonization, and sustainability for all people and the environment.” Furthermore, the organization explained that this goal can only be achieved with diverse stakeholder engagement and broad-scale adoption.
Below are some of the highlights of that post:
“Progress happens through constructive collaboration. The DLC’s success depends on the earned trust of our efficiency program members, manufacturers, industry experts, and the broader market. Together, we translate feedback into meaningful updates, and our upcoming SSL V6.0 and LUNA V2.0 specification reflects an ongoing effort to keep pace with evolving technologies and the needs of efficiency programs.”
The new Technical Requirements are the first major revision of DLC’s Solid-State Lighting (SSL) specification in five years and a significant update to the Light Usage for Night Applications (LUNA) program. Together, these updates have been shaped by over 1,000 stakeholder comments, multiple webinars, and collaborative discussions with program administrators, implementers, distributors, specifiers, and manufacturers.
Energy Program Involvement Helps Streamline Savings + Expand Markets
As DLC explained, “Utilities and energy-efficiency programs are meeting the challenge of growing demand for power from expanding AI and data centers, while still working toward energy reduction and decarbonization goals. These programs told us they wanted better tools to validate savings and accelerate their incentive application reviews. They asked for more transparency and clarity and we responded.
“With V6.0 updates, QPL listings will link directly to manufacturer spec sheets, simplifying verification and supporting faster approvals. Program administrators also asked for ways to verify control capabilities in the field.
“SSL V6.0 introduces defined control categories, enabling new prescriptive and midstream offers while giving inspectors and evaluators clearer data on features like occupancy and daylight sensing as well as data on more advanced strategies like high-end trim and part night dimming.
“These enhancements don’t just streamline paperwork — they expand participation and improve evaluation confidence to help ensure claimed savings are captured accurately and reflect real-world performance.
“First-generation LEDs are at, or near, the end of their life and need replacement. Given the longevity of LED technology, this is a watershed moment that won’t come along again for at least another decade. With SSL V6.0/LUNA V2.0, we’re seeking to optimize this opportunity to promote and install products that not only increase energy savings, but future-proof them with efficient controlled lighting that serves people and protects the environment.”
Manufacturers Offered Key Input
“Manufacturers emphasized the need for clarity, reduced testing redundancy, and stronger links between listings and real-world applications, while reducing application processing time.
“SSL V6.0 introduces the use of new and updated standards (including optional pathways for using ANSI IES TM-35-19 (R25), TM-41-24, and LM-98-24), eliminates unnecessary testing requirements, and allows reuse of V5.1 documents wherever possible to ease the update process. We’re also creating a representative image library option and expanded multi-sourced LED and driver options to support supply chain flexibility.
“And by linking QPL listings directly to manufacturers’ spec sheets, the new system drives users straight to manufacturer websites, increasing visibility for listed products, meeting the needs of the programs, and maintaining the independent rigor that defines DLC qualification.”
LUNA V2.0: Building on Success & Expanding Impact
“LUNA V2.0 continues to advance environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. It introduces a new “Turtle Lighting” category, informed by collaboration with communities in Hawai’I, to guide projects with ecologically sensitive habitats. Yet its benefits extend well beyond the coast: the updated specification supports dark-sky ordinances in over 400 North American municipalities and counties.
“Utilities and energy-efficiency programs also see potential for LUNA to strengthen outdoor lighting programs to meet energy and environmental goals utilizing tiered incentives for advanced controls strategies.”
Collaboration Delivers Results
“Since our first Qualified Products Lists (QPLs) were launched in 2010, the DLC’s collective approach has helped shape the market and currently includes nearly 370,000 high-quality, efficient products for commercial use.
“Today, 75% of North American utility programs (nearly 700 in total) reference our QPLs to guide purchasing decisions, eligibility for incentives, streamline validation, and maintain consistency for regulators.
“That spirit of partnership is the foundation of SSL V6.0 and LUNA V2.0. With these updates, we’re optimizing the replacement cycle for first-generation LEDs to promote products that advance energy savings, expand control integration, and protect the environment.”
