In addition to inexpensive furniture, IKEA may soon also become the place to go for a green abode. The company announced that it is setting aside €50M for cleantech startups over the next 5 years. The goal is to have eco-friendly wares like solar panels on the shelves soon-ish.

DailyTech informs:

The new unit, IKEA GreenTech, is channeling its efforts in five directions: solar panels, alternative light sources, product materials, energy efficiency, and water saving and purification. The unit will only invest in startups the can guarantee delivery of a product within a four to five year window, as IKEA's ultimate intention is not purely altruism, but rather primarily to sell greentech.

Johan Stenebo, managing director of IKEA GreenTech states, "We're already talking to companies."

He hopes to have his unit placing its first investments by the end of the year. He states, "That's certainly our aim to make happen."

Good move. I can imagine a new DIY revolution if the Home Depots and Lowes of the world would follow suit.