If you're a fan of green living you might be glad to hear this piece of news: Sharp Corp and Tokyo Electron Ltd have partnered up to produce a new line of thin-film photovoltaic cells (otherwise known as solar cells).

The new partnership will be investing JPY 100 billion (US$ 925 million) to build a factory for the solar cells. The first shipment is expected to be available in 2009.

This is also welcome news for economical reasons. Their new line of thin-film solar cells will help assuage the cost of production since it will use less silicon than normal cells.

Last year, Europe also announced its plans to buy desert land in Africa and the Middle East where they can build solar power stations. Perhaps this new partnership by the Japanese companies will create new developments in that endeavor as well.