Some good news is finally coming out of Michigan (no offense to any Michiganites - it’s just the whole car thing), as yesterday a residential wind power factory opened in an underused auto plant, with each turbine made able to create up to 25 percent of a home’s power.

The plant, which comes out of a partnership between Nevada-based wind technology company Mariah Power and MasTech, a Michigan-based materials firm, will bring jobs and money to Michigan, along with wind power. Hooray! Here’s a quote, which amazingly backs up this very thing I just told you. Weird.

Mariah Power is investing $2 million to buy steel and hire up to 140 workers over the next three years. MasTech is investing $1.5 million in new equipment for the Windspire plant. [Environmental News Service]

The turbines that are being built aren’t like your normal windmill you see on the side of the freeway or what have you, but instead, each “quiet, easily installed wind-power appliance stands 30 feet tall and operates without the propellers seen on larger wind turbines.” Which is awesome. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm was on hand to witness the opening of the factory, and had this to say:

Michigan is proud to be the place where these two companies are partnering to create jobs making these easy-to-use turbines that can generate energy at a home or business. Demand for wind-energy products will continue to grow as federal initiatives to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil advance. The Windspire, manufactured by Michigan workers using Michigan materials, will help Americans rely on energy made, literally, in our own backyards.

Ah, so the things are called Windspires. Cause they don’t have the propellers. Got it. The state is also giving $400,000 to the project, which is rad. As of right now, the plant has 30 employees, and produces 100 Windspires a month. The ultimate goal is for 1,000.

But you don’t have to live in Michigan to take advantage of residential wind power! You can takepart to learn more about small wind, to power your home.