PHILADELPHIA – An ambitious step in environmentalism is happening right here in Philadelphia, as the world's first ever solar-powered indoor vertical farm calls the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection home.

In South Philadelphia, just off Christopher Columbus Boulevard lies a building that hosts 2,003 solar panels powering an indoor vertical farm that will ideally produce 660 outdoor acres worth of food in just a 100,000-square-foot space each year. The project is from Metropolis Farms, a leader in indoor farming innovations, and brings the world's first solar powered vertical indoor farm to Philadelphia.

The farm sits on the fourth floor of the building tucked between the Boulevard and Swanson Street. "Before starting this project, the fourth floor of this building was only growing pigeons," Metropolis Farms said of the space. "But now, using our innovative technology that can uniquely grow everything, this solar powered indoor farm will be growing fresh tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce, herbs, broccoli, and other crops for local Philadelphians."

The rooftop panels gather enough sunlight to supply over half a megawatt of energy, the company said. While the panels are on in early October, crops won't be planted until about November, according to the company.

Pictured above is a photo the solar panels that will power the soon-to-be-planted indoor vertical farm in South Philadlephia

