A 70-story residential tower that will generate its own solar power has broken ground in Brickell, and is said to be the first of its kind in the world.

The tower will have a 20,000 square foot “Solar Backbone,” with photovoltaic panels built into the glass façade. It will produce 175 MWh of electricity annually, reducing approximately 4,700 tons of CO2 and using 3,000 barrels less of oil.

It also becomes one of the tallest towers under construction in Miami. It will rise to a permanent height of about 861 feet above ground, while construction cranes will surpass 1,000 feet above ground.

There are 195 residential units planned, with 80,000 square feet of amenities. Prices range from $3 million to $7 million, while penthouses are priced from $8 million to $60 million.

John Moriarty & Associates is the general contractor.

Ytech is the developer, with ACPV Architects and Arquitectonica the architects.