Sharp, Toshiba to cooperate in solar power generation field : Business : DAILY YOMIURI ONLINE (The Daily Yomiuri)

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Sharp, Toshiba to cooperate in solar power generation field

The Yomiuri Shimbun

OSAKA--Sharp Corp. and Toshiba Corp. likely will combine aspects of their solar power generation businesses in an attempt to increase large industrial orders for the technology, the firms said Friday.

The proposed tie-up would see Sharp supply solar power panels to Toshiba, with Toshiba supplying electricity distribution systems to Sharp.

The major electrical equipment manufacturers are expected to officially finalize the arrangement soon.

Solar power generation systems are expected to be increasingly used by power companies and factories. Japan, Europe and the United States have increased investment in green technology.

In 2007, Sharp was the world's second-largest producer of solar power generation panels. The firm plans to begin operating a large solar panel manufacturing factory in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, as early as autumn.

Sharp said a tie-up with Toshiba likely would enable it to increase its solar panel client base.

Toshiba has developed its thermal and nuclear power technologies. The firm has strong ties with power companies worldwide, and has achieved strong sales of current-conversion devices and has built up a good distribution system for items such as rechargeable batteries.

Toshiba has been looking for a solar panel supplier since announcing in January that it would enter the solar power generation market.

In 2007, the two firms combined to supply each other with parts for liquid crystal TVs.

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