DAS Update

DAS installed a new solar electric system in the Ohio Governor’s Residence Carriage House last week using a $50,000 grant from American Electric Power Foundation secured by Green Energy Ohio. The upgrade features advanced solar and battery technology supporting greater efficiency and reliability.

“Thanks to our partners at Green Energy Ohio for bringing state-of-the-art equipment to the residence that will ensure reliable, efficient power generation to the Carriage House,” said DAS Director Kathleen C. Madden. “The Governor’s Residence is a cherished piece of Ohio history and we’re honored to have a part in its ongoing upkeep and preservation.”

The Ohio State Highway Patrol operates a post out of the Carriage House on the property of the residence. A recent inspection of the solar array and battery backup system installed in 2004 recommended a complete overhaul to better support day-to-day operations and maintain critical security functions in the event of a power outage.

The new system will provide approximately 10,000 kWh of electricity per year and back-up power for the Carriage House and the security system. The new high efficiency solar panels and lithium-ion battery array offer significantly improved performance over the old system.

The Governor’s Residence is one of several state-owned facilities managed by the DAS Office of Properties and Facilities.

DAS joined the community of Lewisburg in Preble County recently for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) tower now operating there.

The new tower is part of the MARCS system, the wireless, digital communications network that connects Ohio first responders from multiple jurisdictions during emergencies. The MARCS Program Office within the DAS Office of Information Technology manages the MARCS system statewide.

Read more about the tower and event in this Register-Herald article.