DLC Premium vs Standard: What Contractors Need for 2027 Rebates
Updated: 4 days ago
DLC Premium has stricter performance and controls requirements than Standard. For a 2027 quote, also check the exact model’s listing version, current status and the utility’s rebate rules.
Use the full model number on the supplier’s quote. A product-family name or an old cut sheet can miss options that affect qualification.
Updated October 26, 2026.
DLC Premium vs Standard at a glance
Premium products must meet higher efficacy and controllability requirements under SSL V6.0. Check the requirements for the product category and version you’re quoting.
Decision | DLC Standard | DLC Premium |
|---|---|---|
Qualification | Meets the applicable Standard requirements | Meets the applicable Premium requirements |
Product comparison | Verify the exact model, configuration and version | Verify the exact model, configuration and version |
Energy estimate | Use the selected product's actual input watts | Use the selected product's actual input watts |
Rebate amount | Determined by the applicable program | Determined by the applicable program |
Controls scope | Check the product's documented capabilities | Check capabilities and any required controls package |
Compare output, distribution and controls as well as input watts. Both options need to meet the customer’s lighting requirements.
What changes with DLC SSL V6.0?
SSL V6.0 and LUNA V2.0 combine the technical requirements for commercial LED products and qualifying outdoor lighting. Applications under the new requirements opened on January 5, 2026.
DLC will delist SSL V5.1 and LUNA V1.0 products that haven’t completed the update by December 15, 2026. Its transition announcement explains how to find older records using the QPL’s delisted-products filter.
October 9 was the manufacturer update-application deadline. Products still under review on December 15 may be temporarily delisted. DLC’s deadline FAQ explains how relisting works once the update is complete.
Recheck the listing if the fixture changes or the purchase, installation or application date moves.
Does DLC Premium always receive a larger rebate?
Rebate programs set their own conditions for versions, classifications, product categories and controls. Check the measure before entering a higher incentive for Premium.
Before entering an incentive, record:
The customer's electric utility, eligible service address and program.
The exact measure and the current program document.
The complete proposed model number and relevant options.
The required listing version, classification and status.
Purchase, pre-approval, installation and application timing.
Whether the customer, contractor or distributor receives the payment.
For program selection, see midstream, prescriptive and custom lighting incentives.
Focus on Energy’s 2027 transition rules
Focus on Energy's updated lighting requirement says that, beginning January 1, 2027, products requiring DLC qualification for its rebates must be listed under SSL V6.0. It also describes transitional eligibility for certain V5.0 and V5.1 purchases and installations.
Its published conditions include applications by January 31, 2027 for products installed in 2026. For products purchased in 2026 and installed in 2027, applications must be submitted within 60 days of installation and no later than June 30, 2027, with proof of purchase.
Ask the administrator to confirm which transition rule covers your purchase and installation dates.
How to check a product before quoting
1. Match the full configuration
Capture the manufacturer, brand and complete model string from the supplier quotation. Include the output or wattage setting, color configuration, voltage and controls options where these identify the proposed product.
If the QPL record doesn’t clearly match the quoted model and options, ask the supplier for the exact listing.
2. Save the QPL evidence
Find the model in the DLC product search. Save its product ID, version, classification, listing status and the date checked. Keep a copy with the quote.
3. Confirm the measure with the program
Confirm the measure covers the proposed product and use. Resolve questions about controls, baseline equipment, quantities or deadlines before calling the incentive approved.
For retrofit kits, check the host fixture and installation instructions as well. UL’s conversion-kit guidance covers that safety review.
4. Control substitutions and date changes
Treat a substitute fixture as a new product check. Update the quote if its wattage, installation work, controls or rebate eligibility changes.
Does the Premium option pay for itself?
Here’s a 100-fixture example using assumed prices and savings. The Premium option adds US$10 per fixture to the installed price; suppose the program also approves an extra US$5 per fixture.
Illustrative comparison | Amount |
|---|---|
Additional installed selling price: 100 × US$10 | US$1,000 |
Additional confirmed incentive: 100 × US$5 | US$500 |
Additional customer investment after that incentive | US$500 |
Input-power reduction versus the other option | 4 watts per fixture |
Operating schedule | 4,000 hours/year |
Electricity rate | US$0.15/kWh |
Additional annual energy saving | US$240 |
Simple payback on the additional investment | About 2.1 years |
The energy calculation is 100 × 4 × 4,000 ÷ 1,000 = 1,600 kWh per year. At the example rate, that is US$240. US$500 ÷ US$240 is about 2.1 years.
Both options are assumed to meet the same lighting requirements. The comparison excludes maintenance, financing, tax and rebate payment timing.
Show the rebate status in the proposal
List the installed price, incentive amount and approval status separately. The rebate cash-flow guide covers upfront discounts and later reimbursement.
Use the same model numbers and quantities in the fixture schedule, rebate calculation and proposal.
In LumaQuote, add the proposed fixtures and rebate inputs to the quote. See the rebate workflow or the full estimating example.
Frequently asked questions
Is DLC Premium better than DLC Standard?
Premium meets higher requirements under the applicable DLC version. Choose between specific products based on the lighting result, installed cost, controls and rebate eligibility.
Does DLC listing guarantee a utility rebate?
No. The utility or program administrator sets the eligible measures, amounts and payment conditions.
What happens to DLC V5.1 products in December 2026?
SSL V5.1 products that haven’t completed the V6.0 update by December 15, 2026 will be delisted. You can still find their records using the QPL’s delisted-products filter.
Can a delisted product still qualify under a transition rule?
A program may allow earlier purchases or installations under its transition rules. Check the dates and evidence required by that program.
Should I use the Premium label to calculate energy savings?
Use the selected product’s input watts, quantity, operating hours and controls to calculate energy savings.
