ONYX Service and Solutions Inc (fka OSRV)

[Rassilon]

Great UPI Article pro ONYX today see: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2011/12/29/Solar-power-use-expands-in-South-America/UPI-58871325182362/

Solar power use expands in South America

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Latin America is investing more in solar power but, in line with International Energy Agency warnings, needs to do so intelligently and without multiplying costs.

Poverty-stricken Honduras is the latest home to solar energy projects in Central and South America that are driven by U.S. service providers but fitted out with Chinese-made equipment.

Colorado's Onyx Service and Solutions Inc. said it will install its newest solar energy project in Latin America, made up of Chinese-manufactured solar panels and associated equipment, at West Bay Lodge Project in Roatan, Honduras.

Onyx Management is also using Honduran personnel for the installation which fulfills a need for electricity supply expansion in the Central American country.

Honduras was severely affected by a coup in 2009 that triggered an international diplomatic, political and economic isolation of the country. Recovery has been slow despite assistance from the European Union and the United States.

The West Bay Lodge installation follows a deal reached in October to power the resort, part of the government's plan to regenerate the economy with tourism. The West Bay Beach is the most popular tourist destination on the Island of Roatan, and an international tourist destination.

Onyx said in deciding on the project it took a different course than most other solar companies, choosing to forgo competition against coal-fired electricity producers or depending on government subsidies to make a profit.

After a detailed research of the worldwide markets for power, Onyx said, it focused on sectors that relied on costly diesel generated electricity such as that in Roatan at present but offered opportunity for greater profit margins. Onyx is developing multiple solar power projects in Honduras, one as large as 22 megawatts, and Panama. The company is developing solar power distribution in Colombia and Peru.

Solar power generation and distribution is set to grow in Latin America and has enabled U.S. renewable energy companies to position in the area.