Orion Energy Systems: Issued patent for its energy-efficient modular lighting platform

Modular design makes energy saving technology installation, maintenance simple

MANITOWOC, Wis. — Aug. 27, 2009 — 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.

The modularity of the Compact Modular™ 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® control device to further reduce energy waste by turning off lights that aren’t needed, saving even more energy than with the Compact Modular™ system alone.

The Compact Modular™ 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® wireless control system and direct renewable solar Apollo® light pipe, Orion customers are reducing energy consumption for lighting by up to 80%.

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

“The design of our Compact Modular™ 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 http://www.oesx.com.

Media Contact

Linda Diedrich

Director Corporate Communications

(920) 482-1988

ljd@oes1.com