Australian researchers find silver lining in breakthrough technology for discarded solar panels

Researchers from Macquarie University have claimed a breakthrough in efforts to extract valuable silver from discarded solar modules without destroying other panel components.

The Macquarie researchers, led by Dr Binesh Puthen Veettil and Dr David Payne from the University’s School of Engineering, have developed an extraction method can remove silver without touching other metals like aluminium, and without impacting the silicon cells and other components.

The Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) technology directs a thin stream of weak acid directly onto the silver in solar panels.

It dissolves the metal in seconds and leaves the silicon wafer intact and uncontaminated, which means it is still suitable for reuse in semiconductor manufacturing.

“Our solution is like a pressure washer for removing silver,” says Dr Veettil.

The JESE technology helps to address a pair of problems, including the surge in waste solar panels, and the rising price of silver, which has already doubled since 2018 as demand outstrips mining supply.

An accompanying delamination technology uses microwave energy to separate glass, silicon, and other components, without the need for grinding or a high-temperature furnace.

Both technologies have been licensed to Lithium Universe, a Perth headquartered startup dedicated to closing what it calls the “lithium conversion gap” by developing a mine-to-battery-grade lithium carbonate strategy.

It intends to conduct its own research and development into commercialising the two technologies with a view towards pilot testing and validation by 2030, and commercial deployment and first sales by 2032.

“Together, we are delivering a breakthrough recycling solution that recovers high-purity silver while preserving wafer integrity,” said Iggy Tan, CEO of Lithium Universe.

“This partnership exemplifies how industry and academia can work hand in hand to create technologies that drive both commercial success and sustainability.”