TechnologyToshiba, Shin-etsu, Niigata University's new tech beats China in durability raceA consortium of Toshiba, Shin-Etsu and Niigata University is working to commercialize what would be the world's most durable perovskite solar cells. (Source photos by Yuki Nakao, Takako Fujiu)YUGO TAKAGAKI, KEIGO YOSHIDA and KAZUKI YAMAGUCHISeptember 8, 2026 18:18 JSTTOKYO/NIIGATA, Japan -- Japan's Toshiba and Shin-Etsu Chemical, working with Niigata University, have developed a perovskite solar cell that is 1.5 times more durable than existing alternatives, giving it the world's highest durability and an edge in the competition with Chinese manufacturers currently leading the race to mass-produce next-generation solar cells.