The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) has published an updated version of the Testing and Reporting Requirements for Horticulture Lighting in the beginning of March and announced the first horticultural lighting products that meet the new performance standard.

With rapid increasing indoor farming facilities and legalized cannabis cultivation in several US states and Canada, demands for efficient and effective horticultural lighting are booming. In response to the boosting market, DLC DLC released an industry benchmark designed to improve efficiency and reduce electricity consumption.

(Image: Osram)

Utilities across North America are planning to rely on the new policy and corresponding Qualified Products List (QPL) in deciding which lighting products to incentivize in energy efficiency programs delivered to their agricultural customers with the DLC qualification.

US LED lighting manufacturer MaxLite announced that its new PhotonMax LED Spot Light is the first product approved to the DLC Horticultural Qualified Products List.

Paul Gray, senior director of horticulture sales at MaxLite, noted, “DLC continues to be the central resource for the lighting industry and utilities in designing energy efficient lighting incentive programs, and a key indicator for lighting purchasers seeking high-performing products. MaxLite is working closely with utilities to identify and market rebate opportunities that will speed the time to ROI for growers wishing to optimize crop production through advanced lighting technologies.”