Concept2, a world leader in rowing machines and racing oars, knows a little something about energy. The company helps elite athletes race and train for high-level competition and helps people of all ages and abilities achieve fitness. But the company is also focusing on its own energy use, recently almost doubling its on-site solar production.

Concept2, based in Morrisville, Vermont, installed 4 AllSun Trackers in 2010, but originally wanted more.  After space constraints at their headquarters were relieved due to the expansion of municipal sewer to their facility, Concept2 recently installed an additional 3 solar trackers at their manufacturing headquarters.

The 39kW solar tracking installation will produce an average 54,600 kWh per year and cover 20 percent of Concept2’s energy needs.

"When we installed our first four AllSun Trackers last year we didn’t have room for the seven we wanted. When that recently changed we took another look and crunched the numbers carefully,” said Judy Geer, Co-Owner of Concept 2.  “With a solid return on investment, we saw adding another three trackers to our existing solar as a real win-win: for our business's bottom line and for the environment.  We also find our customers appreciate the fact that we're doing our part by using renewable energy.”

Manufactured in Williston, Vermont by AllEarth Renewables, the 7 pole-mounted AllSun solar trackers use innovative GPS and wireless technology to follow the sun throughout the day, producing up to 45 percent more energy than fixed roof mounted solar panels. 

“We know in a competitive business, dollars count.  Concept2 is staying ahead of the competition with a solar investment that improves their bottom line while addressing their future energy needs,” said David Blittersdorf, CEO and President of AllEarth Renewables.  “Our trackers use the same principle as rowing: produce more energy, more efficiently.” 

In June, the AllEarth Renewables CEO was named by Business Week as one of 25 of “America’s Most Promising Social Entrepreneurs.”  

About Concept2

Concept2 was founded by Dick and Peter Dreissigacker in 1976. Fresh from Olympic training, the two brothers designed and manufactured carbon fiber racing oars, then went on to create the world’s first air resistance indoor rower. The SkiErg, launched in 2009, builds upon Concept2’s years of experience in designing and manufacturing high-performance training equipment.  www.concept2.com

About AllEarth Renewables, Inc.  
AllEarth Renewables specializes in the design and manufacture of grid-connected solar renewable energy systems that lessen dependence on nuclear and fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company’s goal is to provide turnkey products that harness the power of the sun for homes and businesses while creating sustainable, well-paying jobs.  AllEarth Renewables was named the fastest growing company in Vermont in 2010 and is the 2011 Lake Champlain Region Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.  The company has manufactured and installed over 900 solar tracker systems. www.AllEarthRenewables.com