Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Reclassifications Where appropriate, certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during that reporting period. Areas that require the use of significant management estimates include revenue recognition, inventory obsolescence and allowance for doubtful accounts, accruals for warranty and loss contingencies, income taxes and certain equity transactions. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents Orion considers all highly liquid, short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Orion’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other, revolving credit facility and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of Orion’s financial instruments approximate their respective fair values due to the relatively short-term nature of these instruments, or in the case of long-term debt and revolving credit facility, because of the interest rates currently available to Orion for similar obligations. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. GAAP describes a fair value hierarchy based on the following three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1 — Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 — Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices in markets that are not active for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 — Valuations are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Inputs reflect management's best estimate of what market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Orion performs ongoing evaluations of its customers and continuously monitors collections and payments and estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the aging of the underlying receivables, historical experience with write-offs and specific customer collection issues that have been identified. See Note 3 - Accounts Receivable for further discussion of the allowance for doubtful accounts Long-Term Receivables Orion records a long-term receivable for the non-current portion of its sales-type capital lease OTA contracts. The receivable is recorded at the net present value of the future cash flows from scheduled customer payments. Orion uses the implied cost of capital from each individual contract as the discount rate. Deferred Contract Costs Deferred contract costs consist primarily of the costs of products delivered, and services performed, that are subject to additional performance obligations or customer acceptance. These deferred contract costs are expensed at the time the related revenue is recognized. Deferred costs amounted to $935,000 as of March 31, 2017 and $37,000 as of March 31, 2016. Incentive Compensation Orion’s compensation committee approved an Executive Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Cash Incentive Program under its 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan. The plan provided for performance cash bonus payments ranging from 35-100% of the fiscal 2017 base salaries of Orion’s named executive officers and other key employees. The plan provided for bonuses to be paid out on the basis of the achievement in fiscal 2017 of at least (i) $500,000 of profit before taxes and (ii) revenue growth of 10% more than fiscal year 2016. Based upon the results for the year ended March 31, 2017, Orion did not accrue any expense related to this plan. Orion’s compensation committee approved an Executive Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Cash Incentive Program under its 2004 Stock and Incentive Awards Plan. The plan provided for performance cash bonus payments ranging from 35-100% of the fiscal 2016 base salaries of Orion’s named executive officers and other key employees. The plan provided for bonuses to be paid out on the basis of the achievement in fiscal 2016 of at least (i) $110,000 of profit before taxes and (ii) revenue growth of 10% more than fiscal year 2015. Based upon the results for the year ended March 31, 2016, Orion did not accrue any expense related to this plan. Orion’s compensation committee approved an Executive Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Cash Incentive Program under its 2004 Stock and Incentive Awards Plan. The plan provided for performance cash bonus payments ranging from 35-100% of the fiscal 2015 base salaries of Orion’s named executive officers and other key employees. The plan provided for bonuses to be paid out on the basis of the achievement in fiscal 2015 of at least (i) $2,300,000 of profit before taxes and (ii) revenue of at least $90,400,000. Based upon the results for the year ended March 31, 2015, Orion did not accrue any expense related to this plan. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized on the sales of Orion's lighting and related energy-efficiency systems and products when the following four criteria are met: 1.persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 2.delivery has occurred and title has passed to the customer; 3.the sales price is fixed and determinable and no further obligation exists; and 4.collectability is reasonably assured. These four criteria are met for Orion’s product-only revenue upon delivery of the product and title passing to the customer. At that time, Orion provides for estimated costs that may be incurred for product warranties and sales returns. Revenues are presented net of sales tax and other sales related taxes. For sales of Orion’s lighting and energy management technologies under multiple element arrangements, consisting of a combination of product sales and services, Orion determines revenue by allocating the total contract revenue to each element based on their relative selling prices in accordance with ASC 605-25, Revenue Recognition - Multiple Element Arrangements. In such circumstances, Orion uses a hierarchy to determine the selling price to be used for allocating revenue to deliverables: (1) vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of fair value, if available, (2) third-party evidence ("TPE") of selling price if VSOE is not available, and (3) best estimate of the selling price if neither VSOE nor TPE is available (a description as to how Orion determines estimated selling price is provided below). The nature of Orion’s multiple element arrangements for the sale of its lighting and energy management technologies is similar to a construction project, with materials being delivered and contracting and project management activities occurring according to an installation schedule. The significant deliverables include the shipment of products and related transfer of title and the installation. To determine the selling price in multiple-element arrangements, Orion establishes the selling price for its energy management system products using management's best estimate of the selling price, as VSOE and TPE do not exist. Product revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss for the products transfers. For product revenue, management's best estimate of selling price is determined using a cost plus gross profit margin method. In addition, Orion records in service revenue the selling price for its installation and recycling services using management’s best estimate of selling price, as VSOE and TPE do not exist. Service revenue is recognized when services are completed and customer acceptance has been received. Recycling services provided in connection with installation entail the disposal of the customer’s legacy lighting fixtures. Orion’s service revenues, other than for installation and recycling that are completed prior to delivery of the product, are included in product revenue using management’s best estimate of selling price, as VSOE and TPE do not exist. These services include comprehensive site assessment, site field verification, utility incentive and government subsidy management, engineering design, and project management. For these services, along with Orion's installation and recycling services, under a multiple-element arrangement, management’s best estimate of selling price is determined using a cost plus gross profit margin method with consideraion given to other relevant economic conditions and trends, customer demand, pricing practices, and margin objectives. The determination of an estimated selling price is made through consultation with and approval by management, taking into account the preceding factors. Orion offers a financing program, called an Orion Throughput Agreement, or OTA, for a customer’s lease of Orion’s energy management systems. The OTA is structured as a sales-type lease and upon successful installation of the system and customer acknowledgment that the system is operating as specified, revenue is recognized at Orion’s net investment in the lease, which typically is the net present value of the future cash flows. Orion has limited Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”) contracts still outstanding. Those PPA’s outstanding are supply side agreements for the generation of electricity for which we recognize revenue on a monthly basis over the life of the PPA contract, typically in excess of 10 years. Prior to fiscal 2015, Orion sold solar PV systems which were recognized to revenue using the percentage-of-completion method by measuring project progress by the percentage of costs incurred to date of the total estimated costs for each contract as materials are installed. Revenue from sales of Orion's solar PV systems is generally recognized over a period of three to 15 months. There were no sales of solar PV systems in fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 or fiscal 2015. Deferred revenue relates to advance customer billings, investment tax grants received related to PPAs and long term maintenance contracts on OTAs and is classified as a liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the maintenance is readily determinable based upon pricing from third-party vendors. Deferred revenue related to maintenance services is recognized when the services are delivered, which occurs in excess of a year after the original OTA contract is executed. Shipping and Handling Costs Orion records costs incurred in connection with shipping and handling of products as cost of product revenue. Amounts billed to customers in connection with these costs are included in product revenue. Advertising Advertising costs of $94,000, $4,000 and $149,000 for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were charged to operations as incurred. Research and Development Orion expenses research and development costs as incurred. Amounts are included in the Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income on the line item Research and development. Income Taxes Orion recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between financial reporting and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, measured using the enacted tax rates and laws expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Deferred income taxes also arise from the future tax benefits of operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. A valuation allowance is established when management determines that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, Orion recorded a full valuation allowance of $4,627,000 against its deferred tax assets. ASC 740, Income Taxes, also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. Orion has classified the amounts recorded for uncertain tax benefits in the balance sheet as other liabilities (non-current) to the extent that payment is not anticipated within one year. Orion recognizes penalties and interest related to uncertain tax liabilities in income tax expense. Penalties and interest are immaterial and are included in the unrecognized tax benefits. Deferred tax benefits have not been recognized for income tax effects resulting from the exercise of non-qualified stock options. These benefits will be recognized in the period in which the benefits are realized as a reduction in taxes payable and an increase in additional paid-in capital. Realized tax benefits (expense) from the exercise of stock options were $0, for the fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015. Stock Based Compensation Orion’s share-based payments to employees are measured at fair value and are recognized in earnings, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Cash flows from the exercise of stock options resulting from tax benefits in excess of recognized cumulative compensation costs (excess tax benefits) are classified as financing cash flows. Orion realized no such tax benefits during the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Historically, Orion uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for issued stock options. Orion calculated volatility based upon the historical market price of its common stock. The risk-free interest rate is the rate available as of the option date on zero-coupon U.S. Government issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option. The expected term was based upon the vesting term of Orion’s options and expected exercise behavior. Orion accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. As more fully described in Note 9, Orion currently awards non-vested restricted stock to employees, executive officers and directors. Orion did not issue any stock options during fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 or fiscal 2015. Orion has not paid dividends in the past and does not plan to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Orion estimates its forfeiture rate of unvested stock awards based on historical experience. Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties Orion’s cash is deposited with two financial institutions. At times, deposits in these institutions exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Orion has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes that it is not exposed to any significant financial institution viability risk on these balances. Orion purchases components necessary for its lighting products, including ballasts, lamps and LED components, from multiple suppliers. For fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, no supplier accounted for more than 10% of total cost of revenue. In fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, no customer accounted for 10% of revenue. In fiscal 2015, one customer accounted for 12% of revenue. As of March 31, 2017, one customer accounted for 11.6% of accounts receivable and as of March 31, 2016, one customer accounted for 10.3% of accounts receivable. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Issued: Not Yet Adopted In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments," which provides clarification and additional guidance as to the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. The ASU provides guidance, as to the classification of a number of transactions including: contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, and distributions received from equity method investees. The new standard will be effective for Orion in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and will be applied through retrospective adjustment to all periods presented. Orion does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Subtopic 842)." This ASU requires that lessees recognize right-of-use assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by long-term leases and disclose additional quantitative and qualitative information about leasing arrangements. Under this ASU, leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition. Similarly, lessors will be required to classify leases as sales-type, finance or operating leases, with classification affecting the pattern of income recognition. Classification for both lessees and lessors will be based on an assessment of whether risks and rewards as well as substantive control have been transferred through the lease contract. This ASU also provides guidance on the presentation of the effects of leases in the income statement and statement of cash flows. This guidance will be effective for Orion on April 1, 2019. Early adoption of the standard is permitted and a modified retrospective transition approach is required for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company has not yet completed its review of the full provisions of this standard against its outstanding lease arrangements and is in the process of quantifying the lease liability and related right of use asset which will be recorded to its consolidated balance sheets upon adoption of the standard. In addition, management continues to assess the impact of adoption of this standard on its consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and the related footnote disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the ASU requires enhanced and expanded financial statement disclosures. Since the issuance of this ASU, the FASB has issued further ASU’s to provide additional guidance and clarification as to the application of ASU 2014-09 and delaying its original effective date. The ASU allows companies to elect either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach to adoption. Orion will adopt ASU 2014-09 and the related updates with their effective date on April 1, 2018. Orion has begun the process of implementing this standard, including performing a review of its revenue streams to identify any differences in the timing, measurement, or presentation of revenue recognition. The Company is in the process of reviewing the provisions of these standards against its customer contracts, including evaluating and identifying distinct performance obligations. The Company continues to evaluate its customer contracts to determine the impact on the timing and presentation of revenue. In addition, the Company is evaluating any necessary changes to its revenue related processes and controls as a result of the new standard, including the related footnote disclosures. Under ASU 2014-09 incremental contract costs, including sales commissions, may be required to be capitalized and expensed over the period these costs are recovered. Although Orion incurs commission costs, its contracts are typically completed within one year. As such, the Company will elect to apply the practical expedient for contract costs recovered within one year and will continue to recognize commissions as cost of sales immediately rather than capitalizing and expensing these costs over the contract period. Orion currently plans to elect the modified retrospective adoption method but continues to evaluate both of the available transition methods. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” to simplify the presentation of deferred taxes. The amendments in this update require that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. This ASU is effective for Orion's annual reporting period, and interim periods therein, as of April 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard will have no impact on Orion’s consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost or net realizable value for entities that measure inventory using first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This ASU is effective for Orion on April 1, 2017. The Company believes the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on Orion’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting," which changes how companies account for certain aspects of share-based payment awards to employees, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as the classification of related matters in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for Orion as of April 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on Orion’s consolidated financial statements. Recently Adopted Standards As of April 1, 2016, Orion adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-03 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” and the related ASU 2015-15 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line of Credit Arrangements- Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting (SEC Update).” This guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, with the exception of debt issuance costs associated with line of credit agreements which may remain classified as an asset and amortized ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. As Orion’s only deferred debt issuance costs relate to its revolving line of credit, upon adoption of these standards a reclassification of the deferred financing costs was not required and there was no impact on Orion’s condensed consolidated financial statements. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern" ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 requires an entity's management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern and if those conditions exist prescribes the necessary disclosures. Orion incorporated the provisions of this standard in performing its going concern analysis as of March 31, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on Orion’s consolidated financial statements or footnote disclosures.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Where appropriate, certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during that reporting period. Areas that require the use of significant management estimates include revenue recognition, inventory obsolescence and allowance for doubtful accounts, accruals for warranty and loss contingencies, income taxes and certain equity transactions. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Orion considers all highly liquid, short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Orion’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other, revolving credit facility and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of Orion’s financial instruments approximate their respective fair values due to the relatively short-term nature of these instruments, or in the case of long-term debt and revolving credit facility, because of the interest rates currently available to Orion for similar obligations. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. GAAP describes a fair value hierarchy based on the following three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 — Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices in markets that are not active for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 — Valuations are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Inputs reflect management's best estimate of what market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Orion performs ongoing evaluations of its customers and continuously monitors collections and payments and estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the aging of the underlying receivables, historical experience with write-offs and specific customer collection issues that have been identified. See Note 3 - Accounts Receivable for further discussion of the allowance for doubtful accounts

Long-Term Receivables

Orion records a long-term receivable for the non-current portion of its sales-type capital lease OTA contracts. The receivable is recorded at the net present value of the future cash flows from scheduled customer payments. Orion uses the implied cost of capital from each individual contract as the discount rate.

Deferred Contract Costs

Deferred contract costs consist primarily of the costs of products delivered, and services performed, that are subject to additional performance obligations or customer acceptance. These deferred contract costs are expensed at the time the related revenue is recognized. Deferred costs amounted to $935,000 as of March 31, 2017 and $37,000 as of March 31, 2016.

Incentive Compensation

Orion’s compensation committee approved an Executive Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Cash Incentive Program under its 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan. The plan provided for performance cash bonus payments ranging from 35-100% of the fiscal 2017 base salaries of Orion’s named executive officers and other key employees. The plan provided for bonuses to be paid out on the basis of the achievement in fiscal 2017 of at least (i) $500,000 of profit before taxes and (ii) revenue growth of 10% more than fiscal year 2016. Based upon the results for the year ended March 31, 2017, Orion did not accrue any expense related to this plan.

Orion’s compensation committee approved an Executive Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Cash Incentive Program under its 2004 Stock and Incentive Awards Plan. The plan provided for performance cash bonus payments ranging from 35-100% of the fiscal 2016 base salaries of Orion’s named executive officers and other key employees. The plan provided for bonuses to be paid out on the basis of the achievement in fiscal 2016 of at least (i) $110,000 of profit before taxes and (ii) revenue growth of 10% more than fiscal year 2015. Based upon the results for the year ended March 31, 2016, Orion did not accrue any expense related to this plan.

Orion’s compensation committee approved an Executive Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Cash Incentive Program under its 2004 Stock and Incentive Awards Plan. The plan provided for performance cash bonus payments ranging from 35-100% of the fiscal 2015 base salaries of Orion’s named executive officers and other key employees. The plan provided for bonuses to be paid out on the basis of the achievement in fiscal 2015 of at least (i) $2,300,000 of profit before taxes and (ii) revenue of at least $90,400,000. Based upon the results for the year ended March 31, 2015, Orion did not accrue any expense related to this plan.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized on the sales of Orion's lighting and related energy-efficiency systems and products when the following four criteria are met:

1.persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;

2.delivery has occurred and title has passed to the customer;

3.the sales price is fixed and determinable and no further obligation exists; and

4.collectability is reasonably assured.

These four criteria are met for Orion’s product-only revenue upon delivery of the product and title passing to the customer. At that time, Orion provides for estimated costs that may be incurred for product warranties and sales returns. Revenues are presented net of sales tax and other sales related taxes.

For sales of Orion’s lighting and energy management technologies under multiple element arrangements, consisting of a combination of product sales and services, Orion determines revenue by allocating the total contract revenue to each element based on their relative selling prices in accordance with ASC 605-25, Revenue Recognition - Multiple Element Arrangements. In such circumstances, Orion uses a hierarchy to determine the selling price to be used for allocating revenue to deliverables: (1) vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of fair value, if available, (2) third-party evidence ("TPE") of selling price if VSOE is not available, and (3) best estimate of the selling price if neither VSOE nor TPE is available (a description as to how Orion determines estimated selling price is provided below).

The nature of Orion’s multiple element arrangements for the sale of its lighting and energy management technologies is similar to a construction project, with materials being delivered and contracting and project management activities occurring according to an installation schedule. The significant deliverables include the shipment of products and related transfer of title and the installation.

To determine the selling price in multiple-element arrangements, Orion establishes the selling price for its energy management system products using management's best estimate of the selling price, as VSOE and TPE do not exist. Product revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss for the products transfers. For product revenue, management's best estimate of selling price is determined using a cost plus gross profit margin method.

In addition, Orion records in service revenue the selling price for its installation and recycling services using management’s best estimate of selling price, as VSOE and TPE do not exist. Service revenue is recognized when services are completed and customer acceptance has been received. Recycling services provided in connection with installation entail the disposal of the customer’s legacy lighting fixtures. Orion’s service revenues, other than for installation and recycling that are completed prior to delivery of the product, are included in product revenue using management’s best estimate of selling price, as VSOE and TPE do not exist. These services include comprehensive site assessment, site field verification, utility incentive and government subsidy management, engineering design, and project management. For these services, along with Orion's installation and recycling services, under a multiple-element arrangement, management’s best estimate of selling price is determined using a cost plus gross profit margin method with consideraion given to other relevant economic conditions and trends, customer demand, pricing practices, and margin objectives. The determination of an estimated selling price is made through consultation with and approval by management, taking into account the preceding factors.

Orion offers a financing program, called an Orion Throughput Agreement, or OTA, for a customer’s lease of Orion’s energy management systems. The OTA is structured as a sales-type lease and upon successful installation of the system and customer acknowledgment that the system is operating as specified, revenue is recognized at Orion’s net investment in the lease, which typically is the net present value of the future cash flows.

Orion has limited Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”) contracts still outstanding. Those PPA’s outstanding are supply side agreements for the generation of electricity for which we recognize revenue on a monthly basis over the life of the PPA contract, typically in excess of 10 years. Prior to fiscal 2015, Orion sold solar PV systems which were recognized to revenue using the percentage-of-completion method by measuring project progress by the percentage of costs incurred to date of the total estimated costs for each contract as materials are installed. Revenue from sales of Orion's solar PV systems is generally recognized over a period of three to 15 months. There were no sales of solar PV systems in fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 or fiscal 2015.

Deferred revenue relates to advance customer billings, investment tax grants received related to PPAs and long term maintenance contracts on OTAs and is classified as a liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the maintenance is readily determinable based upon pricing from third-party vendors. Deferred revenue related to maintenance services is recognized when the services are delivered, which occurs in excess of a year after the original OTA contract is executed.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Orion records costs incurred in connection with shipping and handling of products as cost of product revenue. Amounts billed to customers in connection with these costs are included in product revenue.

Advertising

Advertising costs of $94,000, $4,000 and $149,000 for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were charged to operations as incurred.

Research and Development

Orion expenses research and development costs as incurred. Amounts are included in the Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income on the line item Research and development.

Income Taxes

Orion recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between financial reporting and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, measured using the enacted tax rates and laws expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Deferred income taxes also arise from the future tax benefits of operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. A valuation allowance is established when management determines that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, Orion recorded a full valuation allowance of $4,627,000 against its deferred tax assets.

ASC 740, Income Taxes, also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. Orion has classified the amounts recorded for uncertain tax benefits in the balance sheet as other liabilities (non-current) to the extent that payment is not anticipated within one year. Orion recognizes penalties and interest related to uncertain tax liabilities in income tax expense. Penalties and interest are immaterial and are included in the unrecognized tax benefits.

Deferred tax benefits have not been recognized for income tax effects resulting from the exercise of non-qualified stock options. These benefits will be recognized in the period in which the benefits are realized as a reduction in taxes payable and an increase in additional paid-in capital. Realized tax benefits (expense) from the exercise of stock options were $0, for the fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Stock Based Compensation

Orion’s share-based payments to employees are measured at fair value and are recognized in earnings, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

Cash flows from the exercise of stock options resulting from tax benefits in excess of recognized cumulative compensation costs (excess tax benefits) are classified as financing cash flows. Orion realized no such tax benefits during the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Historically, Orion uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for issued stock options. Orion calculated volatility based upon the historical market price of its common stock. The risk-free interest rate is the rate available as of the option date on zero-coupon U.S. Government issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option. The expected term was based upon the vesting term of Orion’s options and expected exercise behavior.

Orion accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. As more fully described in Note 9, Orion currently awards non-vested restricted stock to employees, executive officers and directors. Orion did not issue any stock options during fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 or fiscal 2015.

Orion has not paid dividends in the past and does not plan to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Orion estimates its forfeiture rate of unvested stock awards based on historical experience.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties

Orion’s cash is deposited with two financial institutions. At times, deposits in these institutions exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Orion has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes that it is not exposed to any significant financial institution viability risk on these balances.

Orion purchases components necessary for its lighting products, including ballasts, lamps and LED components, from multiple suppliers. For fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, no supplier accounted for more than 10% of total cost of revenue.

In fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, no customer accounted for 10% of revenue. In fiscal 2015, one customer accounted for 12% of revenue.

As of March 31, 2017, one customer accounted for 11.6% of accounts receivable and as of March 31, 2016, one customer accounted for 10.3% of accounts receivable.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Issued: Not Yet Adopted

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments," which provides clarification and additional guidance as to the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. The ASU provides guidance, as to the classification of a number of transactions including: contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, and distributions received from equity method investees. The new standard will be effective for Orion in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and will be applied through retrospective adjustment to all periods presented. Orion does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Subtopic 842)." This ASU requires that lessees recognize right-of-use assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by long-term leases and disclose additional quantitative and qualitative information about leasing arrangements. Under this ASU, leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition. Similarly, lessors will be required to classify leases as sales-type, finance or operating leases, with classification affecting the pattern of income recognition. Classification for both lessees and lessors will be based on an assessment of whether risks and rewards as well as substantive control have been transferred through the lease contract. This ASU also provides guidance on the presentation of the effects of leases in the income statement and statement of cash flows. This guidance will be effective for Orion on April 1, 2019. Early adoption of the standard is permitted and a modified retrospective transition approach is required for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company has not yet completed its review of the full provisions of this standard against its outstanding lease arrangements and is in the process of quantifying the lease liability and related right of use asset which will be recorded to its consolidated balance sheets upon adoption of the standard. In addition, management continues to assess the impact of adoption of this standard on its consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and the related footnote disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the ASU requires enhanced and expanded financial statement disclosures. Since the issuance of this ASU, the FASB has issued further ASU’s to provide additional guidance and clarification as to the application of ASU 2014-09 and delaying its original effective date. The ASU allows companies to elect either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach to adoption.

Orion will adopt ASU 2014-09 and the related updates with their effective date on April 1, 2018. Orion has begun the process of implementing this standard, including performing a review of its revenue streams to identify any differences in the timing, measurement, or presentation of revenue recognition. The Company is in the process of reviewing the provisions of these standards against its customer contracts, including evaluating and identifying distinct performance obligations. The Company continues to evaluate its customer contracts to determine the impact on the timing and presentation of revenue. In addition, the Company is evaluating any necessary changes to its revenue related processes and controls as a result of the new standard, including the related footnote disclosures. Under ASU 2014-09 incremental contract costs, including sales commissions, may be required to be capitalized and expensed over the period these costs are recovered. Although Orion incurs commission costs, its contracts are typically completed within one year. As such, the Company will elect to apply the practical expedient for contract costs recovered within one year and will continue to recognize commissions as cost of sales immediately rather than capitalizing and expensing these costs over the contract period. Orion currently plans to elect the modified retrospective adoption method but continues to evaluate both of the available transition methods.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” to simplify the presentation of deferred taxes. The amendments in this update require that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. This ASU is effective for Orion's annual reporting period, and interim periods therein, as of April 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard will have no impact on Orion’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost or net realizable value for entities that measure inventory using first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This ASU is effective for Orion on April 1, 2017. The Company believes the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on Orion’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting," which changes how companies account for certain aspects of share-based payment awards to employees, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as the classification of related matters in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for Orion as of April 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on Orion’s consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Standards

As of April 1, 2016, Orion adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-03 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” and the related ASU 2015-15 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line of Credit Arrangements- Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting (SEC Update).” This guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, with the exception of debt issuance costs associated with line of credit agreements which may remain classified as an asset and amortized ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. As Orion’s only deferred debt issuance costs relate to its revolving line of credit, upon adoption of these standards a reclassification of the deferred financing costs was not required and there was no impact on Orion’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern" ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 requires an entity's management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern and if those conditions exist prescribes the necessary disclosures. Orion incorporated the provisions of this standard in performing its going concern analysis as of March 31, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on Orion’s consolidated financial statements or footnote disclosures.