Orion Energy Systems: Supports new program designed to provide reduced-rate loans for green projects

Energy efficiency will boost economy through reduced costs, more jobs

MANITOWOC, Wis. — Aug. 18, 2009 — Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: OESX) today announced its support for a new program that provides triple bottom line investment opportunities for investors and decreased interest rates for companies striving for LEED certification. Triple bottom line investments take into account ecological and social performance in addition to financial performance.

The program was announced today at the New York Stock Exchange by Capital Markets Partnership, a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of investment banks, investors, governments, countries and NGOs to provide a sustainable investment framework for the capital markets and real estate finance community.

The investor-funded program provides loans at a reduced cost to companies building or expanding facilities using sustainable practices and products to attain certified green status. The loans also will be available for companies retrofitting structures to achieve LEED certification.

Orion, a leading power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, supports the program, which will give the commercial and industrial sector access to affordable capital that can be used for energy-efficient technology upgrades or green building expansion.

“Programs like the one introduced today are an important addition to the progress we’re making towards a more robust, green economy,” said Kevin Crawford, Orion’s vice president of governmental affairs.

“In real world application, the most recent advancements in energy efficient and direct renewable technology for the commercial and industrial markets are decreasing energy consumption and costs by 50-80%,” said Crawford. “Those savings are being redeployed in operations and R&D investments that lead to growth and profitability for businesses, and ultimately green jobs and a cleaner environment”

Orion is encouraging federal and state legislature to create the laws and regulations that encourage and give equal credence to energy efficiency and direct renewable technologies, the most cost effective methods for reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil.

“Dollars invested in energy efficiency and direct renewable technology are a smart, cost effective alternative to the $1.5 to $2 trillion dollar investment that will be needed by 2030 to rebuild and expand our country’s electrical utility infrastructure,” Crawford said.

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 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 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. For more information, visit http://www.oesx.com.

Media Contact

Linda Diedrich

Director Corporate Communications

(920) 482-1988

ljd@oes1.com