DLC Certification & Utility Rebates: How to Save $20-$150+ Per LED Fixture

DLC (DesignLights Consortium) certification is the gold standard for commercial LED lighting quality and efficiency. More importantly, DLC-listed products qualify for utility rebate programs that can cover 30-70% of your fixture costs.

What is DLC Certification?

The DesignLights Consortium is a non-profit that tests and certifies commercial LED products for:

• Efficacy: Minimum lumens per watt (currently 110+ lm/W for DLC Premium)
• Lumen maintenance: Light output maintained over rated life (L70 at 50,000+ hours)
• Color quality: CRI, color temperature consistency, and color shift
• Warranty: Minimum 5-year manufacturer warranty required

DLC Standard vs DLC Premium

Auvolar products are DLC Premium listed, qualifying for the highest rebate tiers available.

How Utility Rebates Work

Check eligibility: Confirm your utility offers commercial lighting rebates

Select DLC-listed products: Use fixtures from the DLC QPL (Qualified Products List)

Submit application: Most utilities offer pre-approval or post-installation rebate forms

Receive rebate: Check or bill credit, typically within 4-8 weeks

Rebate Amounts by Fixture Type

State-by-State Rebate Highlights

California — Among the most generous rebate programs:

• SCE (Southern California Edison): Up to $100/fixture for high bays
• PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric): Up to $75/fixture
• LADWP: Custom incentives for large projects
• Title 24 compliance may require DLC fixtures

New York:

• Con Edison: $30-$80/fixture for commercial retrofits
• National Grid: Up to $100/fixture
• NYSERDA: Additional statewide incentives

Texas:

• Oncor: $20-$60/fixture
• CenterPoint: $15-$50/fixture
• AEP Texas: Custom rebate programs

Florida:

• FPL (Florida Power & Light): $15-$45/fixture
• Duke Energy Florida: Up to $50/fixture

Other high-rebate states: Illinois, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Colorado, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, New Jersey, Minnesota, Virginia.

Real-World Savings Example

Project: 50,000 sq ft warehouse in Los Angeles

• 60 x 200W UFO High Bay LED (replacing 400W MH)
• Fixture cost: 60 x $109 = $6,540
• SCE rebate: 60 x $75 = -$4,500
• Net fixture cost: $2,040
• Annual energy savings: $18,000
• Payback: Less than 2 months

How Auvolar Helps with Rebates

All products DLC Premium listed: Maximum rebate qualification

Rebate Finder tool: Check available rebates at auvolar.com/rebate-finder

Documentation support: We provide DLC certificates, spec sheets, and photometric files required for rebate applications

Project assistance: Our team helps with rebate paperwork for large projects

Tips to Maximize Rebates

Apply before purchasing when possible — some utilities require pre-approval

Bundle fixtures: Some programs offer higher per-fixture rebates for larger projects

Add controls: Occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting can unlock additional incentives

Check deadlines: Many rebate programs have annual budgets that can run out

Keep all documentation: Invoices, DLC listing numbers, old fixture photos, and disposal receipts

The bottom line: DLC certification isn't just a quality mark — it's a money-saving tool. With Auvolar's DLC Premium products and competitive pricing, many projects achieve payback in under 6 months after rebates.