Construction on what will be the world's largest solar power plant is now underway. The Antelope Valley Solar projects, as the effort is termed, will be split between Kern and Los Angeles counties in California and should provide enough power to electrify 400,000 homes.

The project is expected to span three years and employ approximately 650 people. Planners estimate that the construction will generate $500 million for local economies.

MidAmerican Solar owns antelope Valley Solar Projects.

"The Antelope Valley Solar Projects are already creating needed jobs and economic opportunity in local communities, while at the same time, providing direct, long-term environmental benefits," Paul Caudill, president of the company, said. "We look forward to continuing our involvement in the Rosamond, Lancaster and Palmdale communities and, as we move forward, in the surrounding areas."

The project's primary construction and logistics contractor is SunPower, a company responsible for several high-profile solar installations around the world. In 2011, the company announced a partnership with Ford that allows electric car owners to opt for a solar panel on their roof that will charge the car.

had this to say about the Antelope Valley effort:

"The start of construction on the Antelope Valley Solar Projects underscores that solar is a reliable, cost-competitive energy source," SunPower President Howard Wenger said. "SunPower is proud to partner with MidAmerican Solar and Southern California Edison on this historic project, which is bringing critically needed jobs and economic opportunity to California today and will generate abundant clean, renewable power to the state over the long-term."