According to ITC.ua — Техно: Researchers at Ningxia University in China have pioneered an acid-free process for extracting silver from end-of-life solar cells, achieving remarkably high metal recovery rates. This innovative technology isolates silver conductors from silicon wafers as pure metal, presenting a transformative approach to solar panel recycling.
The study demonstrated that within just 150 seconds at 230 °C, 94.34% of silver could be reclaimed from the molten solution. Under optimized conditions, the recovery rate increased to 97.11%, while silicon wafer loss was kept minimal at 2.62%, highlighting the method’s efficiency. Although silver accounts for less than 0.03% of a used solar panel’s weight, it represents nearly half of its total value. Typically, each panel contains about 20 grams of silver, revealing significant economic potential in recycling.
The Australian Energy Council projects that by 2050, global solar waste will accumulate to between 60 and 78 million tons. Given that the first generation of commercial solar panels has a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, developing effective recycling technologies is critical. Recycling solar panels is expected to generate up to $1 trillion in revenue by 2060, marking it as a lucrative sector for future investment.
Silver shortages are anticipated to reach 46.3 million ounces by 2026. Meanwhile, the average silver price has surged past $40 per ounce, a 42% increase from the previous year. The solar industry’s silver consumption is forecasted to decline to approximately 151 million ounces in 2026, down from 186.6 million ounces in the prior year, indicating shifting supply and demand dynamics that could affect silver extraction technologies.
This novel acid-free silver extraction method offers a promising solution to reduce recycling costs and enhance resource recovery efficiency. With the growing volume of solar panel waste and rising silver demand, such technologies could play a vital role in promoting sustainable energy systems. Moreover, improving recycling processes can minimize environmental impact and boost the economic viability of solar panel reuse.
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