Michigan Wind Power delivers innovative alternative energy solutions to the average homeowner with special consideration to the environment. The Traverse City based company is owned by Garth Ward who takes alternative energy out of the theoretical domain and actually leads the way by example. He is one totally dedicated person looking for non-traditional means of powering homes and cars. He owns a 22-foot motor home equipped with a mobile turbine that charges its 12-volt batteries. His motor home and trailer are used for classes and to advertise the wind and solar energy devices he sells. He's preparing to hook up another that will stand about 35 feet tall and generate enough electricity to power his new home.

Mr. Ward drove to work as a private contractor in a one-seat 2000 Corbin Sparrow electric car that gets about 40 miles per charge. It takes about an hour's charge for every 10 miles driven. It costs about $18.75 in gas to drive 40 miles round-trip to work and back in his SUV, compared with 37 cents to recharge the electric car to make the same trip. It is number 096 of the 360 units produced.

By seeking to provide alternatives that benefit customers and the environment, Michigan Wind Power stresses their mission statement, "Power to the People!" Individuals can supplement their energy with wind and solar power and partly or entirely sidestep the utility companies. Alternative energy is no longer just a solution for large facilities. Now the average homeowner can afford to tap into this technology.

Michigan Wind Power is a dealer for Southwest Wind Power, producers of the Skystream 3.7and Air-X wind turbines. The Skystream 3.7and Air-X systems are a perfect fit for residential customers with adequate wind speeds. Michigan Wind Power has trained technicians for these systems and can assist in site assessment for prospective wind generation and energy usage.