EnergyCATL leads in filings for tech that allows bendable panels, taking top spot from PanasonicPerovskite solar panels on top of this bus terminal in Osaka. (Sekisui Chemical)TAIYO SUZUKIMay 5, 2026 02:05 JSTTOKYO -- China has surpassed Japan for the first time in the total number of patent applications for perovskite solar cells, considered a next-generation innovation for renewable energy.Read NextScienceJapan eyes world-first transmission of space-based solar power to EarthIran warIran war pushes China's solar exports to record high in MarchBusiness trendsCATL, BYD join over 100 China firms in perovskite solar cell raceSupply ChainChina solar panel material suppliers join forces to stem supply glutOpinionChina needs grids, not more solar or wind power capacityEnergyJapan to offer support for exports of flexible perovskite solar cellsEnergyChina battery storage installations triple North America's in 2025EnergyChina's solar giants warn of record $5bn loss despite anti-price war bidChina techChina's Maxwell to churn out machines for making perovskite solar panelsLatest on EnergyEnergyJapan to test perovskite solar power at Self-Defense Forces basesEnergySouth Korea to join Japan's plan for joint oil reserve at summitEnergyDaiwa to invest $630m in Japan battery storage for chip, data center power