DOE ENERGY STAR® Program for Solid-State Lighting

The ENERGY STAR label is a highly valued and widely recognized mark of energy efficiency that helps guide the American public to select cost-effective, energy-efficient products. As part of DOE’s national strategy to accelerate market introduction of high efficiency SSL products, the Department is leading ENERGY STAR management, specification development, and partner relations for SSL devices used for general illumination, including:

• Residential, commercial, industrial, and outdoor lighting SSL applications of all types
• Innovative SSL systems applications of all types (includes "free-form" SSL systems, and those incorporated into furniture, buildings, and equipment)

The DOE ENERGY STAR strategy for SSL general illumination products establishes a transitional two-category approach. Category A addresses near-term applications, where SSL technology can be appropriately applied. Category B establishes efficacy targets for a wider range of future applications, which will take effect once solid-state lighting technology is more mature. Eventually, Category A will be dropped, and category B will become the sole basis for the ENERGY STAR criteria. This transitional approach recognizes the rapid pace of SSL technology developments, yet allows early participation of a limited range of products for directional lighting applications. DOE plans to periodically review and amend the criteria to parallel technology advances and ensure the criteria remain up-to-date.

DOE Releases Final ENERGY STAR Criteria for SSL Luminaires
In December 2006, DOE released draft ENERGY STAR criteria for SSL luminaires intended for general illumination. Following public review and comment, DOE issued second draft criteria in April 2007. 

The final criteria, below, were released in September 2007. The effective date will be September 30, 2008, contingent on related standards and test procedure finalization.

Final ENERGY STAR Requirements for SSL Luminaires (PDF - 268 KB)