DLC V5.0 Efficacy Update
March 08, 2019
For DLC SSL Technical Requirements V5.0, the DLC is proposing a smaller efficacy increase for most product categories relative to prior revisions, as shown in Table 1. This is due to two primary factors: first, while LED package-level efficacy continues to improve, these improvements are occurring at a slower pace than in the past. Efficacy improvements of LED devices are expected to be more incremental going forward, barring major breakthroughs in technology.
Second, the DLC conducted extensive analysis and research to understand the relationship between efficacy, product cost, and quality of light. This research and analysis found that a large increase in efficacy requirements may have the unintended consequence of driving the market towards products that are higher cost and/or have higher glare and poor light distribution, both of which can slow the technology adoption and associated energy savings.
