Windspire® Wind Turbine Generating Electricity at Michigan Governor’s Official Residence

07.10.2009 – LANSING, Mich-A Windspire wind turbine, manufactured in Michigan by Mariah Power, is now helping generate electricity for the Michigan governor’s official residence in Lansing and demonstrating the state’s commitment to renewable energy.

Mariah Power donated the Windspire to the state of Michigan for use at the governor’s residence following the grand opening of the company’s Windspire manufacturing facility in Manistee, Mich., in April. The wind turbine was featured today in a tour of the residence’s new green features that include a green roof and water-conserving irrigation system.

Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has been working to make the state a leader in the new green economy and a top manufacturer of wind turbines, advanced batteries, solar panels and other green products.

“I am proud to showcase the Windspire wind turbine at the governor’s residence as an example of a Michigan-made renewable energy product,” Granholm said. “Our ongoing efforts to grow the state’s renewable energy sector are taking root, and I commend Mariah Power’s leadership for their commitment to Michigan.”

“Governor Granholm is a terrific supporter of clean energy,” said Mariah Power CEO Mike Hess. “Having a Windspire at the governor’s residence will help people see how easy wind power can be, and shows how committed Michigan is to a clean energy economy.”

The Windspire is a 30-foot tall, propeller-free, vertical-axis wind turbine designed for harnessing wind power in urban, suburban and rural locations. It is the most affordable alternative energy appliance in the 1 kilowatt range, costing about $8,000 to $10,000 after installation but prior to a 30 percent federal small wind tax credit.

The unit’s powerful, trim and sleek design enables it to blend in well with a variety of environments, making it an attractive alternative energy option for homeowners, businesses and institutions. Windspire’s Plug’n Produce™ design connects directly to the power supply, offsetting electricity use and reducing energy costs.

Approximately 30 employees produce 100 Windspire wind turbines every month at Mariah Power’s 30,000-square-foot facility in Manistee. The company hopes to grow to 120 employees and 1,000 Windspires produced monthly.
Materials for the Windspire, such as steel and aluminum, are supplied by local Michigan companies.

ABC’s “20/20” recently featured the Windspire factory as a shining example of a company’s ability to transition from the automotive industry to renewable energy.