The Desoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center is about to go live with 25 megawatts of power at a cost of nearly $150 million. The plant, for the time being will be the largest Solar Power producing facility in the states. Although it is only one of three solar plant projects developed by Florida Power & Light.

The plant, located in Florida may look huge in the photograph on this page, but it’s only a fraction of the under construction neighboring plant also being built by Florida Power & Light  in neighboring Arcadia which will offer three times the size at 75 mega watts when completed.

When the plant goes live on Tuesday President Barack Obama is expected to be in attendance and take a tour of the new plant which will provide power to a fraction of the regions nearly 4 million customers.

While the Florida projects are large, new plants soon to be announced by Texas and California are expected to eclipse the size of Florida projects.

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That’s the really cool thing about trying to find ways to make new technology an integral part of our lives, we get to see all kinds of interesting ideas.

However – it is also the cause of really mind numbing, head shaking, smacking one’s head against the desk reasons where we wonder just how far we really have progressed.

There is no doubt that solar power is going to be an important part of our energy mix. Yes it still needs a lot of work in order to make it truly cost effective for mass use; but we’re getting there. Slowly but surely we are getting there. Then along comes some company with an idea that even on the face of it is down right stupid.

A solar powered submarine.

Yes folks you heard me right. apparently a company in Switzerland is looking for investors to carry the tab of $10 million to develop a submarine that would be powered from a floating solar array. The company behind Project Goldfish; BKW, does have an interesting track record when it comes to solar energy but in this case I’m sorry this is one idea that shouldn’t even leave the dock.

Initially the purpose of this Project Goldfish submarine will to be used for underwater sightseeing excursion of Lake Thun in Switzerland. the technology though would supposedly find later applications in different marine settings.

Ya okay … whatever ….

[hat tip to Business Green]

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