Solar Lights & ERP Certification: Complete EU Compliance Guide

Foreword: The Special Relationship Between Solar Lights & ERP Certification

In the EU energy efficiency regulatory system, solar lights occupy a unique position.As a combination of renewable energy and lighting technology, solar lights benefit from green energy policies but also face special rules for ERP compliance.

Most off-grid solar lights are exempt from ERP certification — but this does not mean they are free from all compliance requirements.

For suppliers targeting major European retailers such as Costco, Lowe’s, and The Home Depot,correctly understanding ERP exemptions, testing requirements, and common pitfalls is essential.This guide explains the full process and key points of ERP compliance for solar lights.

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1. First Check: Does Your Solar Light Need ERP Certification?

This is the first and most error‑prone step.

1.1 Exemption Conditions (Key Rules)

According to (EU) 2019/2020, these solar lights are exempt from ERP:

表格

Exemption Type	Conditions	Typical Products
Low voltage	≤ 75V DC or ≤ 50V AC	12V/24V solar garden lights
Off‑grid solar	No mains connection	All‑in‑one solar street lights
Battery only	Rechargeable battery, no AC input	Portable solar camping lights

Core rule:If the product does not connect to 220V AC mains and operates within low voltage limits, it is usually exempt.

1.2 When ERP Is Mandatory

Your solar light must have ERP certification if:

• It includes an AC adapter (e.g., 220V charger)
• It connects directly to 220V mains
• It has smart functions (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, motion sensor dimming)

1.3 Exempt ≠ No Compliance Required

Even if exempt from ERP, you still need:

• CE certification (LVD + EMC)
• Clear statement in user manual:“Exempt from ERP under (EU) 2019/2020 Article 2(2)”
• No ERP label on packaging

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2. If ERP Is Required: Full Test Details

For solar lights needing ERP (e.g., with AC adapter), tests cover performance, electrical safety, durability, and more.

2.1 Applicable Regulations

• EcoDesign: (EU) 2019/2020
• Energy Label: (EU) 2019/2015

2.2 Main Test Items

Optical Performance

• Luminous efficacy: ≥ 95 lm/W (directional lights)
• CRI: Ra ≥ 80 (general use), Ra ≥ 65 (outdoor/industrial)
• SDCM: ≤ 6
• CCT: within declared tolerance

Electrical Parameters

• Power factor: ≥ 0.9 at full load
• Start‑up time: < 0.5 sec
• Warm‑up time: < 2 sec to 95% light output

Standby Power

• Standby mode: ≤ 0.5W
• Networked standby (Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth): ≤ 2.0W

Flicker

• SVM (flicker visibility): ≤ 0.4
• PstLM (short‑term flicker): ≤ 1.0

Durability

• Lumen maintenance: ≥ 80% after 6000 hours
• Switch cycle: 15,000 cycles, failure rate ≤ 5%

Environmental

• Low‑temperature start: ≤ 5 sec at ‑20°C
• Ingress protection: IP65 or higher
• Salt spray: 3000 hours (coastal areas)

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3. For Exempt Low‑Voltage Solar Lights

Although exempt from ERP, you must complete:

CE Certification (LVD + EMC)

LVD (EN 60598 series)

• Ground continuity
• Insulation resistance
• IP rating
• Mechanical strength

EMC (EN 61000‑6 series)

• Radiated & conducted emission
• ESD, surge, EFT immunity

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4. Full ERP Certification Process

4.1 Testing Phase (2–3 weeks)

1. Pre‑evaluation
2. Sample preparation: 10 light sources + 3 controllers
3. Lab testing

4.2 Registration Phase

4. EPREL database registration
   • EU Login account
   • Upload test reports & technical files
   • Submit EC Declaration of Conformity
5. Energy label application

Energy Label Mandatory Information

• Energy efficiency class (A–G)
• Annual power consumption
• Brand / model
• QR code linking to EPREL

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5. Special Rules for Amazon & Retailers

5.1 Amazon Requirements

• ERP‑required products: EPREL registration number
• Exempt products: exemption letter + CE reports

5.2 Retailer Requirements (Costco, Lowe’s, Home Depot)

• Full CE technical file
• Clear ERP exemption confirmation
• ERP certificate for AC adapters
• Third‑party test reports (IP, low‑temp, etc.)

5.3 High‑Risk Avoidance

• Do NOT mix low‑voltage and mains‑connected models in one report
• Wrong exemption may lead to seizure + fines up to 10% of turnover
• From July 2025, standby power reduces to 0.3W

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6. How We Support Your Compliance

We provide professional one‑stop certification for solar lights:

For Exempt Products

• CE (LVD + EMC) full testing
• Complete technical file preparation
• Exemption statement drafting

For ERP‑Required Products

• Full ERP testing
• EPREL registration
• Energy label design & review
• Controller certification support

Our Advantages

• Professional testing equipment (integrating sphere, climate chambers, etc.)
• Up‑to‑date EU regulatory knowledge
• Fast turnaround & reliable support

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Conclusion

Solar lights have huge potential in Europe, but compliance is your entry ticket to top retailers.Correctly applying ERP exemptions, completing CE certification, and preparing performance tests are critical.

Whether your solar light is ERP‑exempt or needs full certification,we provide tailored solutions to help you succeed in the European market.