Can JESE’s Wafer-Preserving Process Disrupt Solar Panel Recycling?

Innovating Solar Panel Recycling

Lithium Universe Limited (ASX – LU7) has announced a significant milestone in the recycling of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with the successful laboratory validation of its Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) technology. Developed in partnership with Macquarie University, JESE has demonstrated the ability to recover more than 95% of silver from end-of-life silicon solar cells in under 30 minutes, a process markedly faster and more efficient than traditional methods.

The technology employs a precision-controlled jet of dilute nitric acid combined with a low applied voltage of just 5 volts to selectively dissolve silver from the solar cell’s metallisation without damaging the underlying silicon wafer or aluminium busbars. This selective extraction not only preserves the integrity of the silicon wafers but also significantly reduces chemical consumption and hazardous waste generation, addressing key environmental concerns associated with solar panel recycling.

Superior Efficiency and Sustainability

Compared to conventional hydrometallurgical processes that require crushing panels and prolonged immersion in concentrated acids, JESE offers a cleaner and safer alternative. Traditional methods can take 24 to 48 hours to recover 60–90% of silver, often destroying the silicon wafers and producing toxic effluents. In contrast, JESE achieves over 90% recovery in just seven minutes and surpasses 95% within half an hour, all while maintaining wafer integrity.

Moreover, the process recovers silver ions electrochemically as high-purity metallic silver, suitable for industrial use, with a recovery efficiency exceeding 90%. This contrasts with conventional bulk electrolysis methods that recover only around 36% under similar conditions. The closed-loop electrolyte system further minimizes waste and operational costs, enhancing the technology’s commercial appeal.

Strategic and Market Implications

The breakthrough comes at a critical time as the volume of solar panel waste is projected to surge globally, with estimates reaching 60 to 78 million tonnes by 2050. Each tonne of PV waste contains roughly one kilogram of silver, translating into a potential recoverable silver value exceeding A$154 billion. With silver demand rising sharply; particularly in photovoltaics and electronics; and mining supply constrained, efficient recycling solutions like JESE are poised to play a pivotal role in securing critical materials for the clean energy transition.

Lithium Universe’s Executive Chairman, Iggy Tan, highlighted the transformative potential of JESE, noting that the technology not only boosts recovery rates but also preserves valuable silicon wafers, opening new revenue streams through wafer reuse or conversion into nanosilicon for lithium-ion batteries. This aligns with LU7’s broader mission to innovate in both lithium supply and solar panel recycling, positioning the company at the forefront of sustainable resource management in the renewable energy sector.

Next Steps and Outlook

While the laboratory-scale results are promising, the company plans to advance JESE through pilot and commercial-scale testing to confirm scalability and economic viability. A key upcoming focus is verifying the purity levels of the recovered silver and exploring the full potential of wafer reuse. If successful, JESE could set a new industry benchmark, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of solar panel recycling and contributing to a circular economy for critical metals.