The two announced announced a three year partnership last week with the goal of developing further efficient ways of capturing and utilizing solar power for electricity. Sanyo will spend $3 million to underwrite the study, aimed at developing “the next generation of energy solutions,” according to the two sides.

Panasonic’s majority purchase of Sanyo led to Panasonic’s announcement this week that it would combine Sanyo’s solar modules and its own energy management, electrical technology and sales networks in appliances and housing to enter the solar panel manufacturing industry.