Panasonic pushes solar windows; Japan eyes private H3 launches

2026-10-21 · Energy · Japan

Panasonic is speeding up efforts to turn windows into solar panels, targeting windows and exterior walls with 'power-generating glass' that can be customized in size, transparency and design. In the UK, a Japanese firm opened the country's first HVDC subsea cable plant. Separately, Japan is eyeing private-sector launches of its H3 rocket to compete with SpaceX, as Tokyo seeks a bigger share of the commercial launch market amid growing demand for satellite and defense capabilities.

Why it matters：Japan is pushing new energy hardware and launch capacity to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and compete in space.

Key points

• Panasonic's glass can vary size and transparency
• A Japanese firm opened the UK's first HVDC cable plant
• Japan weighs private H3 launches to rival SpaceX

Sources (original reporting)

• The Japan Times
• NHK
• Nikkei Asia

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