The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) is preparing to release the final version of its new DLC SSL V6.0 and LUNA V2.0 Technical Requirements on November 3rd. This combined release represents one of the most significant updates in recent years for the commercial and industrial lighting industry, redefining performance thresholds, controllability expectations, and environmental considerations for qualified LED products.

These revisions, shaped through years of collaboration with manufacturers, efficiency programs, and lighting professionals, aim to raise the bar for energy efficiency, lighting quality, and responsible outdoor lighting practices.

A Unified Approach: SSL and LUNA Combined

One of the most notable changes in this release is the integration of the Solid-State Lighting (SSL) and LUNA programs into a single technical requirements document. Previously maintained as two separate sets of criteria, the combined document simplifies compliance for manufacturers and streamlines decision-making for lighting specifiers.

This alignment ensures that indoor and outdoor non-residential lighting products are evaluated using consistent performance and controllability standards. The unified approach also makes it easier for utility and incentive programs, many of which base their rebates on DLC criteria, to align with these enhanced requirements.

Higher Efficacy Standards for LED Lighting

Efficiency remains central to DLC’s mission. SSL V6.0 introduces an average 14 percent increase in minimum efficacy thresholds across all product categories, with some product types seeing increases as high as 30 percent.

These adjustments reflect the significant progress LED manufacturers have achieved since the last efficacy revision in 2020 (SSL V5.0). The higher thresholds are designed to ensure DLC-qualified products continue to represent the top tier of market performance, while still accommodating variations in application and form factors.

At the same time, V6.0 recognizes that energy efficiency must balance with light quality. The new requirements allow efficacy trade-offs for products meeting superior quality-of-light criteria, such as improved color rendition, reduced glare, and better spectral distribution.

Expanding Quality and Sustainability

Beyond raw performance metrics, the quality of light remains a core focus of SSL V6.0. The update strengthens definitions and testing requirements for spectrum, color stability, and lumen maintenance. These are key factors that influence occupant comfort, safety, and visual acuity in commercial environments.

SSL V6.0 also introduces new listing pathways for non-white light (NWL) LED products, including 1800K, 2000K, and amber lighting. These additions support flexible installation practices, greater sustainability, and specialized applications such as hospitality, architectural, and wildlife-sensitive environments.

For color maintenance, standardized reporting per ANSI/IES TM-35-19 replaces the customized reporting methods introduced in earlier versions, providing greater consistency and comparability across product types.

Enhanced Controllability and Connected Lighting

The 6.0 update significantly expands controllability and reporting requirements. The DLC aims to drive adoption of advanced lighting controls and connected systems by tightening the link between the SSL and Networked Lighting Controls (NLC) Qualified Products Lists (QPLs).

By correlating controllability data across both lists, the DLC supports compatibility-based product selection, which helps specifiers more easily pair luminaires with approved control systems. These enhancements promote not just energy savings, but also improved occupant experience through tunable lighting and adaptive automation.

The DLC Premium classification continues to serve as a bridge to fully connected lighting ecosystems, enabling deeper integration with building automation systems and maximizing energy and operational efficiency.

LUNA V2.0: Strengthening Responsible Outdoor Lighting

The LUNA V2.0 update reinforces the DLC’s commitment to sustainability and dark-sky preservation. Built on SSL V6.0’s foundation, LUNA V2.0 introduces new outdoor performance criteria that balance energy efficiency with environmental stewardship.

By adopting SSL V6.0’s controllability framework, LUNA V2.0 simplifies manufacturer reporting and encourages the use of lighting that minimizes light pollution, skyglow, and glare.

A key highlight is the addition of three new Turtle Lighting Primary Use Designations (PUDs) which is critical for coastal regions where wildlife protection is a priority. These fixtures are designed to meet both the SSL and LUNA standards, ensuring compliance without sacrificing safety or visual performance.

DLC’s Core Objectives

Each goal underscores the broader mission of SSL V6.0 and LUNA V2.0:

• Advance energy efficiency and support decarbonization through improved efficacy thresholds and control requirements.
• Strengthen the SSL Qualified Products List (QPL) by broadening eligibility for sustainable, flexible lighting solutions.
• Encourage adoption of advanced controls through better interoperability between SSL and NLC standards.
• Reduce light pollution by promoting responsible outdoor lighting options aligned with dark-sky principles.

What This Means for the Industry

The final release of the DLC SSL V6.0 and LUNA V2.0 Technical Requirements marks a new benchmark for LED product performance and sustainability. Manufacturers will face higher efficacy and control expectations, while designers, engineers, and facility owners will gain access to better-performing, more flexible lighting solutions.

Energy efficiency programs across North America will likely update their rebate qualifications to reflect these new thresholds. For decision-makers, this means verifying that future lighting selections align with the revised standards to maintain eligibility for incentives.

Ultimately, SSL V6.0 and LUNA V2.0 continue the DLC’s mission to elevate lighting quality, minimize environmental impact, and promote technologies that deliver both energy and ecological benefits. Explore our process to see how we streamline rebate management from qualification to rebate recovery, and then schedule a call with our experts today to ensure your next project meets DLC compliance while maximizing every available incentive. You can also reach us directly at 480-653-8180 or email [email protected] for more information.