It would seem that Walmart and eBay have more than selling affordable goods in common, as the retailing giants have both turned to solar energy in recent days.
Walmart is expanding its use of solar power systems in Colorado, as it announces details of six SolarCity projects.
The company makes no secret of its long-term ambition to use 100 per cent renewable energy for all its retail and distribution centres, for both the sake of its wallet and the environment.
"While Walmart's investment in solar technology has significantly grown in recent years, we know there is still much work to be done to reach our environmental goals," conceded Marty Gilbert, Walmart's director of energy.
The retail giant hopes that the savings made on energy bills will eventually be passed on to you, the customers – but it's anyone's guess on how long this will take.
As for eBay, solar panels have been installed on the roof of its Topaz data centre in Utah, the cost of which it hopes to recoup in just four years.
The online auction site has invested in 72,000 sq feet of solar panels, which will be capable of producing 924,013 kilowatt hours of clean electricity every year.
eBay has admitted that the solar power system has been a "pretty good business investment" through a combination of lower bills, financial stimulus from the US government and tax incentives.
Similar benefits can be reaped on a smaller scale – solar panels have the potential to shave dollars off your electricity bills and there may even be government schemes for you to take advantage of.
With a few extra dollars in your pocket, who knows what you might be able to treat yourself to?
Spend hours on eBay or save up for a holiday…the options really are endless.
Posted by Mike Peacock