MANITOWOC, Wis., Apr 3, 2008 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) today announced that the Trane Corporation, a worldwide manufacturer of air conditioning systems, recently deployed Orion's next generation of lighting technology in its Vidalia, Ga., production facility. Orion's high intensity fluorescent (HIF) lighting system was coupled with Orion's Wireless InteLite(tm) Control platform to create a solution for Trane that significantly reduced energy consumption while simultaneously increasing light levels. The project demonstrates how easily the Wireless InteLite(tm) Control platform allows for a facility's lighting to be grouped into zones of usage, with power to each zone controlled through wireless technology in response to any of several inputs, thereby solving the problem of inefficient use of industrial lighting.

Orion's HIF system was installed in the Vidalia facility in 2007 as part of a Phase 1 retrofit of Trane's outdated HID fixtures. Overall results show an increase of over 50 percent in light levels as well as a reduction in energy consumption of more than 467,000 kilowatt hours, translating to annual savings of over $30,000 in energy expenditures. Because there was no easy way to control its lights, the facility kept all of its lights on for safety 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By adding the Wireless InteLite(tm) Control platform in Phase 2, Trane is now able to turn off 90% of lighting in areas where it is not needed, thereby driving further efficiencies while maintaining its safe work environment. The Wireless InteLite(tm) Control platform positions Trane to save up to an additional 498,000 kilowatt hours, or incremental savings of over $32,000 annually, through intelligent control of light usage. In total, Trane has the potential to save over $60,000 annually in energy expenditures while gaining dramatically improved light levels.

The Orion Wireless InteLite(tm) Control platform has received both ETL and FCC certifications and is designed for easy integration with Orion's existing high intensity fluorescent (HIF) lighting system. As an additional benefit, the Orion Wireless InteLite(tm) Control platform's dual switching component qualifies for tax incentives under the Energy Policy Act, saving companies like Trane additional money.

"In a competitive world that is increasingly demanding efficiency and economy, it is imperative to better control business expenditures," said Neal Verfuerth, President and CEO of Orion. "The energy costs surrounding industrial lighting can be dramatically lowered by implementing more advanced solutions. With the Wireless InteLite(tm) system, it is easy to have lights on when people need them and off when they do not. This technology allows companies like Trane to have flexibility in using their lighting systems without having to access the electrical panel or re-wire branch circuits."

Energy efficiency also represents one of the quickest, cleanest and lowest cost solutions available to address this country's growing energy and environmental challenges, Verfuerth added.

Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 3,300 facilities across North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced over 303 megawatts, enough electricity to power more than 250,000 homes per year, saving customers $304 million, and reducing indirect CO2 emissions by 3.8 million tons.

About Orion Energy Systems, Inc.

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 and controls and related services, for commercial and industrial customers without compromising their quantity or quality of light. For more information, visit www.oriones.com.

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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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