Category B is established as a future target for performance of SSL-based luminaires. Products cannot qualify under Category B until three years after the effective date of these criteria. If technology improves faster than expected, and opening category B prior to completion of a three-year waiting period would be in the public interest, DOE will advance the date for allowing products to qualify under Category B.
DOE's intent, is to substantially increase future performance requirements of LED Luminaires, and to encourage continued improvement in technology selection and design of luminaires using SSL sources. Products for a wide range of general illumination applications will be eligible.
The minimum luminaire efficacy target given for Category B is intended to rival today's most efficient lighting systems using traditional light sources.
T8 Fluorescent Lamp and Electronic Ballast Comparisons For example, the best commonly available high-performance T8 fluorescent lamp and electronic ballast systems are rated around 100 lm/W.
High-quality fixtures for these lamp-ballast systems are about 70% efficient, yielding 70 lm/W luminaire efficacy.
Based on current commercially available technology, the Category B level of minimum luminaire efficacy is not achievable for LED luminaires. However, DOE anticipates performance will rise rapidly over the coming years due to on-going progress in LED efficacy, LED high temperature tolerance, power supply efficiency improvements, and luminaire design.
DOE believes a significant number of general illumination products will be able to achieve 70 lm/W luminaire efficacy within three years after the effective date of these criteria.
DOE will monitor the technical progress of the technology, steadily adding additional Category A
products in future versions. If technology improves faster than expected, and opening category
B prior to completion of a three-year waiting period would be in the public interest, DOE will
advance the date for allowing products to qualify under Category B.
SOURCE: Energy Star Program Requirements for Solid State Lighting Lunminaires