Panasonic and GS-Solar, based in Shenzhen China, are teaming up to form a new photovoltaic research and development joint venture.  The aim to drive further development of heterojunction photovoltaic technologies through the sharing and utilization of technologies and production knowhow. Panasonic has made a considerable investment in photovoltaic thin film technology, with 19 issued patents. GS Solar has not pursued this strategy, with no patent applications to its credit.