MANITOWOC, Wis., Apr 2, 2009 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) has been issued a federal trademark registration from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its patented state-of-the-art Apollo(r) Solar Light Pipe.

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Federal Registration of the Apollo(r) Solar Light Pipe has several advantages, including a notice to the public of the ownership, the exclusive rights to use the mark on or in connection with the goods or services, and a legal presumption of ownership nationwide.

Orion's Apollo(r) Solar Light Pipe is a direct renewable lighting source that can reduce a company's light-related energy costs to zero for up to 10 hours a day using the least expensive source available: the sun.

The Apollo(r) Solar Light Pipe harvests daylight and directs it to the work area of a facility using no electricity. When integrated with a facility's lighting system and ambient light sensors, and when illumination levels from the light pipe reach a desired point, electric lights automatically shut off, all or in part, until needed again.

Apollo(r) Solar Light Pipes have been deployed at some of Orion's largest customers, including Sysco facilities in Boise, Idaho, and Albany, N.Y., and at a Polo-Ralph Lauren facility in Greensboro, N.C. At a Coca-Cola warehouse in Milwaukee, Wis., more than 120 Apollo(r) Solar Light Pipes provide natural daylight for up to 10 hours a day, reducing the beverage company's energy costs and carbon footprint. Because Apollo(r) Solar Light Pipes use no electricity, the associated greenhouse gases released in electricity generation are prevented.

Recently, President Barack Obama applauded Orion Energy Systems and the Apollo(r) Solar Light Pipe in a White House speech about clean energy and the technology that will power our country's long term prosperity. In December of 2008, the Apollo(r) Solar Light Pipe was recognized with a Platts Global Energy Award for the "single, most innovative and sustainable technology of 2008," and on March 30 was named Plant Engineering magazine's Product of the Year Grand Award winner.

Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 4,387 facilities across North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 423 megawatts, saving customers more than $514 million and reducing indirect carbon dioxide emissions by 4.3 million tons.

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.

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(Photo: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid==)

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SOURCE: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.

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

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