Australian Researchers Crack Solar Panel Recycling, Recovering 97% of Silver Without Chemicals

Australian researchers at the University of Newcastle have developed a remarkably simple technique to extract silver from used solar panels without harmful chemicals, as reported by Positive News in January 2026.

The method works by grinding solar panels into fine powder and floating them in water. The silver floats to the surface while waste materials sink, recovering more than 97% of the silver in just a few minutes.

“The method works by grinding solar panels into fine powder and floating them in water.”

'Silver was our first test case, but there are likely significant opportunities to apply this technique to unlock billions of dollars worth of other metals and minerals currently trapped in urban and mining waste,' said associate professor Mahshid Firouzi.