MANITOWOC, Wis., Jun 16, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Orion Energy Systems, Inc. (NYSE Amex:OESX) on June 1 was issued two patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark office for components of its exterior lighting technology.

Orion's exterior technology boasts fluorescent lamps that reduce users' energy consumption by 50 percent or more while significantly increasing light levels in comparison to traditional, high-intensity discharge lighting found in 96 percent of parking lots today, according to a study conducted for the U.S. Department of Energy.

Orion Energy Systems is a leading power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and deploys energy management systems, consisting primarily of high-performance energy-efficient lighting, intelligent wireless control systems and direct renewable solar technology for commercial and industrial customers.

"Our 28 patents are a testament that our aggressive research and development strategies are working, and the result is a product line that outperforms in the marketplace," said Orion Executive Vice President Michael Potts. "The energy-saving performance, modularity, and integrated nature of our technology continues to win business from customers who have already retrofitted their facilities with the competition's fluorescent technology and are looking for more savings in addition to a platform they can build on with other energy efficient technology like our InteLite(R) wireless controls and Apollo(R) solar light pipe."

In March of 2010, Plant Engineering Magazine awarded Orion's exterior technology the gold award in the lighting category, outperforming exterior technologies developed by a larger competitor.

Orion rigorously tests all of its technology - including the exterior fixtures that were awarded the newest patents - in varying conditions within its thermal test chamber that subjects its technologies to temperatures ranging from minus 58 degrees F to 185 degrees F.

Orion's exterior lighting technology is being deployed in the parking facilities of one of North America's largest parking management companies, in addition to a nationally recognized medical facility, and large Las Vegas hotel and casino, among other customers.

Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 5,612 facilities across North America, including 120 of the Fortune 500 companies. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 527 megawatts, saving customers more than $856 million and reducing indirect carbon dioxide emissions by 7.3 million tons.

Orion Energy Systems, Inc. (NYSE Amex:OESX) is a leading power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, consisting primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient lighting platforms, intelligent wireless control systems and direct renewable solar technology for commercial and industrial customers without compromising their operations. For more information, visit www.oesx.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

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SOURCE: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.

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

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