NVLAP Energy Efficient Lighting Products LAP

Welcome

This site has been established for applicant and enrolled laboratories in the Energy Efficient Lighting (EEL) Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP). On this site you will find important program information and links to documents required for successful participation in the program.

Program Description

The Energy Efficient Lighting (EEL) Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP) was established by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) in 1991 at the request of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to accredit laboratories that perform certain types of lamp and luminaire testing. The program has evolved to support EPA ENERGY STAR® and Department of Energy (DoE) lighting efficiency programs. NVLAP is recognized by the EPA as an ENERGY STAR® testing laboratory accrediting body (AB) and by DoE as a CALiPER accrediting body.

For information on the requirements of accreditation see NIST Handbook 150 which contains the general requirements for accreditation of laboratories. In addition, NIST Handbook 150-1 contains specific requirements for energy efficient lighting laboratories.

Proficiency Testing Requirements

Laboratories applying for IES LM-79 accreditation must participate in NIST solid state lighting proficiency testing. Testing must be successfully completed before IES LM-79 will be added to the scope of accreditation. Laboratories applying for IES LM-79 accreditation will be invoiced $2800 US for the cost of enrolment in the program.

Periodically, NVLAP initiates interlaboratory proficiency testing for incandescent, compact fluorescent, and linear fluorescent testing laboratories. The final report for Round 12 was released in April of 2011. The next round is expected to start in the spring of 2012. The approximate cost is $1,000 US and laboratories with these types of testing on their scopes will be notified and invoiced when the round begins.

Accreditation Fees for 2012 and 2013

NVLAP has formalized its budget and assessment fees for 2012 (see NVLAP Fee Schedule). All labs will pay an annual fee of $4,975.00. These fees cover NVLAP administration services.

Energy efficient lighting assessment fees are shown as variable. For 2012, all domestic lighting labs having an on-site renewal assessment will pay a fixed fee of $5,140.00. All foreign labs will continue to pay for actual assessment costs. Foreign labs will pay $5,140.00 with the renewal application and be invoiced for the balance after completion of the assessment as in the past.

In 2013, assessment fees for domestic labs will become variable. Foreign labs will continue to pay actual costs. Labs will pay a fee based upon an estimate of the duration of the upcoming assessment. At the time a renewal application is mailed to a lab, an estimate of the assessment time will be made based upon the size and complexity of the scope, the duration of past assessments, and any intended additions to the scope. The lab will be invoiced for this amount with the renewal notice. For domestic labs, this is the assessment fee for the year and it will not change. Foreign labs will continue to be billed for the balance of the full cost of the assessment after the assessment takes place.

The 2012 fixed fee is based upon the average cost for assessments in 2011. Each year NVLAP reviews the income and expenses for each program's assessments to project the assessment fees for the upcoming year. Our goal is to break even, and NVLAP itself derives no net income from the assessment fees. These go only to pay the assessors and cover their expenses.

Additionally, ENERGY STAR® continues to play a significant role in the NVLAP accreditation and assessment process. If there are significant changes to ENERGY STAR® requirements in 2012 which impact assessment time and upset our 2012 predictions, fees in 2013 will be adjusted accordingly.