Lithium Universe and Macquarie University unveil a breakthrough in solar panel recycling technology that dramatically cuts acid consumption and boosts silver recovery efficiency. This innovation promises to reshape the economics and sustainability of photovoltaic waste processing.
- 83% reduction in nitric acid consumption in silver extraction
- Elimination of costly additives and sacrificial metals
- Over 95% high-purity silver recovery within minutes
- Significant cost and environmental benefits for solar panel recycling
- Technology validated by Macquarie University research team
A Breakthrough in Solar Panel Recycling
Lithium Universe Limited (ASX – LU7), in partnership with Macquarie University, has announced a significant technological advancement in the recycling of silver from end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. Their Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) process achieves an 83% reduction in acid consumption compared to conventional methods, while delivering rapid and high-purity silver recovery under mild conditions.
This breakthrough addresses two critical challenges in solar panel recycling – the high chemical costs and environmental liabilities associated with traditional hydrometallurgical processes. Conventional recycling typically requires highly concentrated nitric acid and long processing times, generating substantial hazardous waste. JESE, by contrast, operates efficiently with only 12 wt% nitric acid and at low voltage (5 V), recovering over 95% of silver within 30 minutes.
Innovative Chemistry and Process Design
The JESE system departs from traditional immersion leaching by directing a high-velocity micro-jet of dilute acid precisely onto the silver-coated areas of the solar cell. This focused approach intensifies local reaction kinetics and minimizes acid use. The process also eliminates the need for silver nitrate electrolytes or sacrificial metals like copper or iron, which are common in other electrochemical recovery methods but generate secondary heavy-metal waste.
By confining electrochemical activity to targeted zones and continuously recycling the electrolyte in a closed loop, JESE reduces chemical procurement and waste treatment costs while enhancing operator safety. The recovered silver achieves a purity of approximately 96%, comparable to Britannia-grade silver, making it suitable for high-value industrial applications.
Economic and Environmental Implications
Acid procurement and neutralization can account for up to 35% of operating costs in solar panel recycling. JESE’s drastic reduction in acid consumption, combined with the elimination of costly additives, positions it as a highly cost-effective solution. Additionally, the process operates at ambient temperature and pressure, reducing energy consumption relative to thermal or bulk electrolysis methods.
Environmental benefits are equally compelling. The mild acid conditions and closed-loop system minimize hazardous waste generation and simplify regulatory compliance. This aligns with growing global emphasis on sustainable resource recovery and circular economy principles, especially as solar panel waste is expected to reach tens of millions of tonnes by 2050.
Context Amid Surging Silver Prices
The timing of this innovation is notable given the recent surge in silver prices, which hit a 45-year record high of over US$52 per ounce in October 2025. With industrial demand from solar, electronics, electric vehicles, and data centers driving supply pressures, efficient recovery of silver from discarded PV panels represents a lucrative opportunity. Each solar panel contains roughly A$56 worth of recoverable silver, a value stream that JESE technology is uniquely positioned to unlock.
Lithium Universe’s dual focus on lithium refining and solar panel recycling underscores its commitment to supporting the clean energy transition through innovative, sustainable technologies. The company’s collaboration with Macquarie University and its ongoing validation efforts suggest JESE could soon move from laboratory success to industrial-scale deployment.
Bottom Line?
JESE technology could redefine solar panel recycling economics and sustainability just as silver demand and prices soar.
Questions in the middle?
- When will JESE technology be scaled to commercial production levels?
- Can JESE be adapted to recover other valuable metals from solar panels?
- How will regulatory bodies respond to the environmental benefits of JESE in industrial settings?