Orion Energy Systems' New Fluorescent Street Lighting Technology Outperforming in...

Orion Energy Systems' New Fluorescent Street Lighting Technology Outperforming
in the City of Pittsburgh's Test Installation

MANITOWOC, Wis., June 30, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orion Energy Systems'
(Nasdaq:OESX) UL-wet-listed fluorescent outdoor technology has been selected to
be part of an evaluation process conducted by the city of Pittsburgh "to
understand (the) potential effect on energy usage and maintenance costs, and to
determine total cost of ownership," according to the city.

The evaluation process will determine the best platform to replace up to 30,000
street lights. Other technologies included in the test are LED, induction and
metal halide.

An early test, conducted by the city's installation contractor, shows Orion's
technology is reducing energy consumption by 65 percent and is increasing light
output by an average of 300 percent under the fixture in comparison to the Steel
City's existing high-pressure sodium fixtures.

"We're pleased that Pittsburgh is testing all technologies and we're confident
the city will determine that Orion's technology performs better and is the
lowest cost to operate over the approximate 25-year depreciation schedule of the
asset," said Orion President and CEO Neal Verfuerth.

Orion's outdoor lighting platform uses proven fluorescent technology enclosed in
a thermal- and optical-efficient design to deliver more light output on the
street for the least amount of energy input. Mounting brackets for the
technology are available for all standard poles, reducing the need to replace
streetlight or parking lot poles in a retrofit project.

In addition, Orion's patented reflector geometry and encapsulated design deliver
high visual comfort probability (VCP) ratings compared to the other technologies
being tested. VCP, which indicates the percentage of people that will find a
discomfort glare acceptable, is especially important with street lighting as
glare can obscure night vision for pedestrians and drivers.

Evidence obtained from Orion suggests residents may not react favorably to the
bright and unnatural light delivered by induction or LED technologies. LED and
induction lighting has an approximate color temperature of 5,000 kelvin, which
mirrors the color of sunlight, and can be too bright, causing strain on eyes
against the black, night sky. Orion's technology is approximately 3,000 kelvin,
and provides a natural, warmer light color that is easier on the eyes at night.

Orion's fluorescent lamps experience only 5 percent to 7 percent lumen
depreciation during the lamps' 9-year average life. Lumen depreciation of the
other technologies being tested ranges from 30 percent to 40 percent. Lumen
depreciation is defined as the decrease in light output over time.

Technologies in which the light output depreciates at a fast pace will not
provide adequate, safe light levels and visibility on city streets can be
diminished as a result of low light levels. Using a higher-watt lamp to
compensate depreciation over time negates the energy savings many municipalities
seek in a lighting retrofit project.

"It's important for municipalities to carefully consider all lighting
technologies to make sure they protect the taxpayer," said Kevin Crawford,
Orion's vice president of business development and governmental affairs.
Crawford served as mayor of Manitowoc, Wis., for 20 years before joining Orion
in April.

"In times when city budgets are tight, governments need to evaluate
manufacturers' claims to make sure they get the most for their money -- now and
in the future," Crawford said. "We look forward to working with other
municipalities to provide them with proven technology that will help them reduce
their operating costs during difficult economic times."

Orion's innovation and technology recently won the praise of President Barack
Obama, who applauded Orion in a White House speech promoting clean energy, the
creation of green collar jobs and the importance of energy efficiency.

Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 4,581 facilities across
North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 435
megawatts, saving customers more than $577 million and reducing indirect carbon
dioxide emissions by 4.9 million tons. Orion's technology was recently
internationally recognized with a Platts Global Energy Award for the single most
innovative and sustainable green technology of 2008.

Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) is a leading power technology enterprise
that designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, consisting
primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient lighting systems, controls and
related services for commercial and industrial customers without compromising
their quantity or quality of light. For more information, visit www.oesx.com.

The Orion Energy Systems, Inc. logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4540

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CONTACT: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
Media Contact
Linda Diedrich, Director Corporate Communications
(920) 482-1988
ljd@oes1.com