Photo Release -- Orion Issued Patent for Its Energy-Efficient Modular Lighting Platform

MANITOWOC, Wis., Aug. 27, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orion Energy Systems Inc.
(Nasdaq:OESX) on Aug. 18 was awarded a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark
office for the energy management company's energy efficient modular lighting
platform. The patent was awarded for the modular features of the system, which
make initial installation, and the integration of additional energy saving
technologies, easy and affordable.

A photo accompanying this release is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6544

The modularity of the Compact Modular(tm) system marks the 22nd patent for
Orion, a leading power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and
deploys energy management systems, consisting primarily of high-performance,
energy-efficient lighting platforms, intelligent wireless control systems and
direct renewable solar technology.

The modular plug-and-play features of the technology are designed for simple
in-field quick change power supply to accommodate the existing branch circuit
receptacle, rather than timely and expensive hard wiring. The modularity also
allows users to integrate the InteLite(r) control device to further reduce
energy waste by turning off lights that aren't needed, saving even more energy
than with the Compact Modular(tm) system alone.

The Compact Modular(tm) platform is guaranteed to reduce users' light-related
energy costs by typically 50 percent, while increasing light levels by 50
percent. When integrated with Orion's InteLite(r) wireless control system and
direct renewable solar Apollo(r) light pipe, Orion customers are reducing energy
consumption for lighting by up to 80%.

The design of the Compact Modular(tm) fixture and the reflector are already
patented. Orion has 15 patents pending.

"The design of our Compact Modular(tm) lighting system is making it easy for
companies to reduce their energy bills, decrease installation and maintenance
costs and reduce their carbon footprint," said Orion CEO Neal Verfuerth. "This
patent joins a growing list of other patented technology that has helped our
customers save more than $642 million in energy costs, delivered more than 460
megawatts to the electric grid -- which is nearly the size of one coal-fired
power plant -- and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 5.5 million
tons."

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. Obama
challenged Orion and other clean energy companies to "mount a historic effort to
end once and for all our dependence on foreign oil."

Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 4,796 facilities across
North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 459
megawatts, saving customers more than $642 million and reducing indirect carbon
dioxide emissions by 5.5 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 platforms, wireless
controls systems and direct renewable solar technology for commercial and
industrial customers without compromise. For more information, visit
www.oesx.com.

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

The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP
PhotoExpress.

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