MANITOWOC, Wis., May 19, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Funded by a grant from the state of Wisconsin, Orion Energy Systems Inc. (NYSE Amex:OESX) has deployed its integrated system in facilities throughout Wisconsin, providing showcase sites for its sales force and partner network.

The partners, including roofing contractors, electrical contractors and construction companies, will use the technology to demonstrate to their customers the guaranteed energy savings created by Orion's technology.

Orion's integrated system includes its Compact Modular(TM) high-intensity fluorescent lighting platform, InteLite(R) wireless control system and direct renewable Apollo(R) solar light pipes.

The Compact Modular(TM) reduces energy costs and consumption by 50 percent when replacing traditional high-intensity discharge lighting. When combined with the InteLite(R) wireless control system and Apollo(R) solar light pipes, the electric lights are automatically turned off for up to 10 hours a day during daylight hours when electricity is most expensive and the electrical grid is operating at or near peak capacity.

Orion's Compact Modular(TM) technology, InteLite(R) control system and Apollo(R) solar light pipes can be easily and individually incorporated in a customer's existing lighting platform, or the three technologies can be integrated as a complete system.

The installations were funded by a combination of state funds matched by Orion. The state funds, from the Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund, included a $220,000 grant and a $200,000 low-interest loan. Orion was one of 25 companies that received financial support for environmentally friendly projects and initiatives.

The funding was provided to Orion to demonstrate the commercial viability and practical value of the integrated system.

"By installing these technologies in our partners' facilities, we are giving them the tools they need to sell the Orion way," said Orion CEO Neal Verfuerth. "When you offer a product that reduces costs by 50 percent or more, the 'too good to be true' scenario can be an obstacle. These installations prove, in real world applications, that the savings are real."

Some of the companies that received the integrated system include Northern Metal and Roofing; Superior Chemical; Centimark Roof; Current Electric; and FJA Christiansen Roofing, a Tecta America Company.

"As our customers continue to look to their roofs for viable energy solutions, Orion's technology gives Tecta a competitive advantage," said Tecta's National Sales and Account Manager Charlie Schulz. "Participating in the Orion program allows us to show our customers first-hand what reducing their company's carbon footprint actually looks like in the real world. Orion's leading-edge technology helps us improve our customers' bottom line, which is a winning proposition for everyone."

"Competition for rooftop space is increasing, and technology like Orion's Apollo solar light pipe is a great way for contractors to gain access to rooftops, helping their customers reduce energy costs and their carbon footprints," said Rob McNamara, president of the National Roofing Contractors Association. "The Apollo light pipe is creating new opportunities for roofers as companies put their roofs to work to reduce and generate energy."

Ron Werowinski, national director of operations for Nations Roof, has high hopes for the technology, installed this spring at the company's Waukesha facility.

"The installation of this technology further validates our decision to partner with Orion," Werowinski said. "As a partner, we have access to training, proven sales strategies and tools that demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology - all which help us expand our pipeline and increase sales."

In addition to its partners' facilities, Orion installed integrated systems in other applications, including a restaurant, manufacturing facilities, a distribution center, school buildings, and a dairy farm. The facilities will be available to Orion's sales force and its partner network to show the technology to customers in similar industries.

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.

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

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.

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

(C) Copyright 2010 GlobeNewswire, Inc. All rights reserved.

News Provided by COMTEX