Acquisition of Solar Panel Recycling Technology
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
Building a Lithium Future
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT AND MEDIA RELEASE
18 June 2025
LU7 SECURES RIGHTS TO TRANSFORMATIVE PV
SOLAR CELL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY
Highlights
Agreement to acquire global rights photovoltaic (PV) solar panel recycling technology
“Microwave Joule Heating Technology” (MJHT) from Macquarie University
Utilises microwave technology to selectively heat and delaminate PV cells
60-78 million tonnes of waste photovoltaic (PV) modules cumulated by 20501
Today only 15% of waste solar cells are recycled worldwide2
Most end up in land fill as valuable waste
Hard to recycle, high temperature furnace, toxic chemicals, low recovery
MJHT and Delamination enables selective separation of materials – higher recoveries
To investigate further recovery of silver, silicon, gallium and indium
Binding commitments received to raise $1.7 million via placement to existing and new
sophisticated and professional investors
Lithium Universe Limited (referred to as "Lithium Universe" or the "Company," ASX: "LU7") has entered into a
binding agreement to acquire the global rights to commercially exploit a patented photovoltaic (“PV”) solar
panel recycling technology known as “Microwave Joule Heating Technology” (“MJHT” or the
“Technology”). The rights will be secured via an exclusive licensing agreement (“Licensing Agreement”)
with Macquarie University (“MQU”), held through an Australian-incorporated holding company, New Age
Minerals Pty Ltd (“NAM”). The key terms of the Licensing Agreement are set out in Schedule 1. The transaction
will be effected by LU7 acquiring 100% of the issued share capital of NAM (“Proposed Transaction”).
The basis of the technology platform utilises microwave technology to selectively heat silicon thereby softening
the EVA encapsulant in solar panels, enabling easy delamination and potential recovery of valuable
materials at room temperature. This approach avoids the need for extreme heat (1400°C) typically required for
separating materials like glass and silicon as well as the use of costly hazardous chemicals in traditional
processes. Delamination enables selective separation of materials without the need for mechanical
crushing, whereas traditional crushing methods often result in cross-contaminated material and lower recovery
rates.
A report published by the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme1 projected that
global waste PV modules will amount to 1.7–8.0 million tonnes cumulatively by 2030 and 60–78 million tonnes
cumulatively by 2050. By 2035, Australia is expected to accumulate 1 million tonnes of solar panel waste worth
1.TASK12, End of Life Management of Photovoltaic Panels Trends in PV Module Recycling Technologies, International Energy Agency
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
over A$1 billion, while the global CIGS (Copper, Indium, Gallium, Selenide) solar cell market is projected to
grow to US$12.23 billion by 2032.
Currently, only 15% of used PV cells are recycled, with the rest accumulating in landfills.2 This low recycling
rate is due to complex processes, high-temperature furnaces, toxic chemicals, and poor recovery yields. The
Technology, developed by MQU, enhances the extraction of valuable metals such as silver, silicon, gallium,
and indium from discarded PV panels using microwave and delaminating techniques. The breakthrough
technology offers a promising new approach for enhanced recovery of valuable metals like Silver, Silicon,
Gallium, and Indium. The Company plans to initiate further research and development in this area.
Message from Executive Chairman
THE PROBLEM TODAY
The world’s renewable energy transition is moving fast, with large-scale PV solar panels playing a central role
in national energy strategies. The global solar cell market is projected to hit US$39.81 billion by 2037,
growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 8.2%.3 Approximately 37% of Australian
households have installed solar panels. This represents over 4 million homes and small businesses with solar
power systems. The Clean Energy Council reports that 12.4% of Australia's electricity generation in 2024
came from rooftop solar.4 However, as these panels approach the end of their 25–30-year lifespan, the industry
faces a growing challenge: managing solar panel waste and recovering valuable materials. A report published
by International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA PVPS) Task12 and the
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2016 projected world’s waste PV modules globally to
amount to 1,7–8,0 million tonnes cumulatively by 2030 and to 60-78 million tonnes cumulatively by 2050. By
2035, Australia alone is expected to accumulate 1 million tonnes of end-of-life solar panels, with a total material
value of over $1 billion. By 2045, Australia could be looking at 34.6 GW of serviceable panels that will need to
be recycled or repurposed, equivalent to the total installed solar capacity in the country as of August 2024.
Figure 1 – The Accumulation of PV solar panels in Land Fill
2.
3.
4.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2021). To Toss, Repair, or Recycle? How Human Behavior Affects the Fate of Aging Solar Panels.
Sircel Pty Ltd. 2025. https://sircel.com/services/solar-panel-recycling/
Clean Energy Australia Report 2025, Clean Energy Council
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
LOW RECYCLING RATES
The global recycling rate for PV solar panels is around 15%, driven by several
challenges. The recycling process is complex, requiring high temperatures and
Only
toxic chemicals, making it costly and energy intensive. Economic incentives are
limited as the recovery of valuable materials like silicon does not provide
sufficient financial returns. However, if recycling technologies can effectively
attract and recover critical materials like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium, the
Recycled
financial viability of recycling improves, driving higher recycling rates.
Additionally, the lack of recycling infrastructure and the diverse materials in
panels further complicate efficient separation, but advancements in technology are addressing these issues.
15%
“Australia is about to be hit by a Tsunami of Solar Waste” (International Energy Agency)7
When waste PV cells aren’t recycled, they often end up in landfills, causing numerous environmental problems.
Panels can contain harmful materials like cadmium and lead, which may leak into the ground and water, posing
risks to both ecosystems and human health. Valuable metals like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium are lost,
adding to the strain on natural resources. As more solar panels reach the end of their life, landfills fill up, and the
energy stored in these materials is wasted. Recycling can help solve these issues by recovering critical materials
and cutting down on pollution.
POTENTIAL GROWTH OF PV RECYCLING INDUSTRY
The nascent PV solar panel recycling industry is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing demand for
critical metals such as silicon, silver, and indium, which hold substantial economic value. As the market for endof-life (EoL) solar panels expands, driven by both economic opportunities and environmental needs, the recovery
of these materials is becoming a lucrative business. The market for recyclable materials from EoL solar panels
is projected to reach over $2.7 billion by 2030 and could approach $80 billion by 2050, according to Rystad
Energy6. This growth is further fuelled by the fact that recovering materials from used panels can offset the need
for costly and environmentally damaging virgin material extraction. Additionally, recycling helps secure a
domestic supply of critical metals, reducing reliance on volatile foreign sources. Advancements in recycling
technology, particularly in recovering high-value materials like silicon and silver, are making these processes
more economically viable and environmentally necessary. Research has demonstrated that up to 98% of silver
and nearly all of copper, lead, and other valuable metals can be recovered efficiently, enhancing the profitability
of the recycling industry6. As technology improves, the recycling of PV panels will play a crucial role in supporting
the transition to a circular economy and sustainable energy future.
CRITICAL METALS IN PV CELLS
As the demand for critical minerals continues to rise with the global shift to clean energy, the need to recover
valuable materials from these panels becomes increasingly urgent. Solar panels are made up of 95% recyclable
materials, including silver, aluminum, silicon, copper, indium, and gallium—all of which are vital to global clean
energy supply chains. Rare metals like gallium are essential for solar fuel cells, semiconductor chips, and other
high-tech applications, making their recovery from e-waste a key priority. Some of the critical minerals found in
PV solar panels include:
5.
6.
Australian PV Institute, Scoping Study - Solar Panel End of Life management in Australia
Rystad Energy - Reduce, reuse: Solar PV recycling market to be worth $2.7 billion by 2030
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
Silicon (used as a semiconductor)
Silver (provides electrical conductivity)
Gallium (enhances energy efficiency)
Indium (aids in energy absorption)
Figure 2 – Critical metals used in PV Cells and their function
Shortage of Critical Components
The extraction and potential shortage of critical metals like silicon, silver, gallium, and indium are growing
concerns as global demand for renewable energy technologies, particularly solar panels, continues to rise.
These materials are essential for the efficiency and performance of PV solar cells.
Silicon (Used as a Semiconductor)
Silicon is the primary material used in solar panels, making up about 95% of the market. It acts as the
semiconductor that converts sunlight into electricity. While silicon is abundant in the Earth's crust, refining it to
the high purity needed for solar cells is energy intensive. The extraction process requires mining quartz and
refining it through high-temperature methods. Despite its abundance, the refining process contributes to a
significant carbon footprint, and as demand for silicon grows across industries, the competition for this material
increases, leading to potential supply bottlenecks.
Current Price: As of May 2025, silicon metal prices range from $1.79 to $2.05 per kilogram, depending on purity
and region.
Silver (Provides Electrical Conductivity)
Silver is essential in solar panels for its excellent electrical conductivity. It is used in conductive pastes that
connect individual solar cells. However, silver is expensive and relatively scarce. The extraction of silver mainly
involves mining ores like argentite, which are then processed through smelting or chemical methods. As demand
for solar energy and electronics increases, the supply of silver may struggle to keep pace, driving up prices and
potentially hindering the growth of the solar industry.
Current Price: As of May 2025, silver is priced at approximately $1,099.77 per kilogram.
“In Fact, the Silver that’s contained inside Solar Modules equates to in its totality,
Australia’s Biggest Silver Mine” (Australia Smart Energy Council)8
7.
8.
ABS News - Solar waste problem looms following rooftop panel boom, with batteries to add to the pile
Smart Energy Council - https://smartenergy.org.au/
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
Gallium (Enhances Energy Efficiency)
Gallium enhances the energy efficiency of solar panels and is key in producing high-efficiency PV cells like
gallium arsenide (GaAs). It is mostly extracted as a byproduct of aluminum refining. Gallium is rare, and its
growing demand in solar technology and high-tech industries raises concerns about supply shortages. The
limited availability and complex extraction processes make gallium increasingly expensive.
Current Price: As of May 2025, gallium prices range from $208.76 to $405 per kilogram, depending on purity
and region.
Indium (Aids in Energy Absorption)
Indium is critical in thin-film solar technologies like CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) and CdTe (cadmium
telluride). It improves energy absorption, boosting solar cell efficiency. Indium is typically extracted as a
byproduct of zinc mining but is limited in supply. Its scarcity, combined with growing demand, could result in
future supply constraints.
Current Price: As of May 2025, indium is priced at approximately $743.70 per kilogram.
NEED FOR RECYCLING
Extracting these critical metals is becoming more challenging as demand for solar energy and other high-tech
applications rises. While these materials are essential for producing PV cells and energy-efficient technologies,
their limited availability and environmental impact are growing concerns. To tackle potential shortages and
reduce harm to the environment, the industry needs to focus on improving recycling rates, developing alternative
materials, and investing in more sustainable extraction methods. This will help ensure a steady supply of these
vital resources and support the ongoing growth of renewable energy. Recycling these materials is key to
minimizing the environmental impact of solar panel disposal and making solar energy more sustainable. As solar
energy expands worldwide, recovering and reusing these valuable resources helps create a circular economy,
reducing the need for new raw materials. This not only benefits the environment but also lowers the carbon
footprint involved in producing solar panels.
PHOTOVOTAIC PV SOLAR PANEL
A typical PV solar panel is made up of solar PV cells, which are made
from silicon wafers. These silicon wafers are the core component that
absorbs sunlight and converts it into energy. Around these wafers, there
are other critical materials, such as silver, copper, and semiconductors,
that help improve efficiency. These materials are all encapsulated in a
layer of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which acts as an adhesive to hold
everything together and protect the components. The whole assembly
is sandwiched between two glass sheets: the front glass sheet protects
the solar cells from the elements, while the back sheet is at the rear of
the panel, providing insulation and extra durability (see Figure 3).
9.
Figure 3 - PV Solar Panel
Components
Powerhouse Recycling – Solar Panel Composition - https://powerhouserecycling.com/solutions/solar-recycling/
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
CONVENTIONAL RECYCLING PROCESS
Conventional recycling methods for solar panels typically rely on mechanical crushing or shredding, which often
results in the loss of high-value materials such as silver and silicon. These materials become embedded in
mixed, contaminated waste streams, making recovery difficult or uneconomical. A 2024 life-cycle analysis by
MINES Paris and ROSI Solar highlighted that traditional shredding processes recover only the bulk materials
(glass, aluminium, copper), leaving silver, silicon, gallium, and indium unrecovered—ultimately lost to landfills.
To recover valuable materials from solar panels, several steps are involved, see Figure 4. First, the aluminum
frame around the panel must be removed. This frame is crucial because aluminum is a recyclable material,
making it a necessary first step in the process. Specialized tools are used to cut and separate the frame from
the rest of the panel. Next, the glass sheets need to be separated from the panel. This is done by "de-knifing"
the EVA layer that binds the glass to the silicon cells. EVA is a strong adhesive, so this process often involves
heating the panel to soften the EVA, making it easier to remove the glass. Once the glass is removed, the EVA
layer still holds the silicon cells in place, requiring further work to separate them.
After separating the glass, the panel must be ground to remove any glass powder. This step is crucial for
ensuring that the remaining materials, such as the silicon, are not contaminated. The glass itself is a valuable
material that can be recycled for use in new solar panels or other industries. Once the glass is removed, the
silicon cells can be extracted from the EVA. This process involves further cleaning to eliminate the remaining
adhesive and isolate the silicon wafers. It requires pyrolysis in high-temperature furnaces and energy-intensive
chemical treatments such as Nitric Acid (HNO₃), Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄), and Hydrogen Fluoride (HF). Once
cleaned, the silicon can be purified and reused in the creation of new solar cells or other electronics. However,
valuable metals like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium, which are critical components in solar panels, are often
discarded as waste and end up in landfills. This loss of valuable materials highlights a significant gap in the
recycling process. Additionally, other materials such as copper (from the wiring) can also be recovered and
reused, but the full potential of material recovery from discarded panels remains largely untapped.
Figure 4 – Conventional Crushing PV Solar Panel Recycling Flow Sheet
The complexity of the recycling process, involving high temperatures, toxic chemicals, and poor recovery rates,
contributes to the low global recycling rate of around 15% for PV solar panels. This process is both costly and
energy-intensive, presenting significant challenges to improving recycling efficiency.
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY (MJHT) TECHNOLOGY
The team from the School of Engineering at MQU, led by Dr. Binesh Puthen Veettil, has developed a new
microwave technology (MJHT) aimed at addressing the challenge of electronic waste from end-of-life solar
panels. Dr. Puthen Veettil’s research, in collaboration with the School of Photovoltaics at UNSW and the
Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics, is further supported by the Australian Government through the
Australian Renewable Energy Agency. This collaboration highlights the significant need and potential impact of
the technology.
Dr Binesh Puthen Veettil, MQU with MJHT prototype
MJHT Tedam: From Left, Prof. Darren Bagnall, Prof. Shujuan Huang,
Dr. Binesh Puthen Veettil and Dr. David Payne
In this new method, microwave energy is used to selectively heat the materials within a solar panel. The silicon
cells and other components that absorb microwaves heat up quickly, while the surrounding materials stay
relatively cool. This targeted heating causes the plastic encapsulant, EVA, which binds the layers of the panel
together, to soften and break down.
As the EVA loses its adhesion, the glass, silicon, and metal components can be easily separated through
mechanical peeling, rather than through extensive processing. This method removes the need for traditional
high-temperature baking or energy-intensive chemical treatments like Nitric Acid (HNO₃), Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄),
and Hydrogen Fluoride (HF). As a result, the delamination process becomes more efficient and environmentally
friendly. The entire process can be carried out at room temperature, reducing the risk of contamination.
This breakthrough technology offers a promising new way to recover valuable materials such as silver and silicon
from solar panels—critical components in both solar and semiconductor technologies.
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
Back Sheet Delamination
Microwave Delamination
Front Glass
EVA
Solar Cell
EVA
Microwave Radiation
Glass Plate
Backsheet
Front Glass
Solar Cells
EVA
EVA
Sheets
Solar Cell
Front Glass Delamination
Back Sheet or
Glass Plate
EVA
Backing Plate
TARGET HEATING ENABLES EASY SEPARATION OF LAYERS,
ALLOWING FOR BACK SHEET AND FRONT GLASS
DELAMINATION
Front Glass
EVA
Solar Cell
EVA
Backsheet
Backsheet
Figure 5 – Microwave Radiation selectively targets the plastic encapsulant (EVA) in solar panels, softening it to enable the delamination
of solar cells while leaving other materials largely unaffected
Figure 6 – MQU “Microwave Joule Heating Technology” (MJHT)
(MJHT) MICROWAVE RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY
Microwave recycling has a much lower environmental impact compared to traditional methods. One of its main
advantages is significant energy savings, which greatly reduces the carbon footprint of the process. By removing
the need for high-temperature furnaces and chemical treatments, this method minimizes greenhouse gas
emissions and completely eliminates the risk of toxic chemical waste streams. The only emissions generated
may come from minor fumes released as the encapsulant plastic is heated. However, since the plastic is
softened rather than burned, these emissions are much lower than those produced by thermal incineration.
Additionally, no chemical effluent is created, making the process cleaner and safer than acid-based or solventbased extraction methods.
By using microwave-based separation, solar panels can be recycled more effectively, preserving valuable
materials such as high-purity silicon, silver, and other critical metals for reuse. This innovation marks a
breakthrough in sustainable solar panel recycling, reducing energy consumption while improving material
recovery rates.
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
This innovation offers several key advantages:
Instantly heats silicon through targeted energy transfer, dramatically reducing energy
consumption compared to conventional thermal annealing while maintaining material integrity.
Enables the exploration and potential of extraction and purification of high-grade silicon, a key
material in semiconductors and microelectronics, supporting supply chains for chips, solar panels,
and advanced technologies.
Preservation of valuable materials, including glass, silicon and other critical materials such as,
copper, indium, and gallium, enabling the possibility of higher recovery rates and reduced
contamination.
Softens the EVA encapsulant, enabling easy mechanical separation without the need for
aggressive chemical treatments.
Unlike acid or solvent-based recycling, this process produces no toxic byproducts, reducing the
need for complex waste management.
Operates at room temperatures as opposed to conventional high-heat (1,400°C) and chemicalbased recycling methods, making it a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative.
The MQU team believes that the Technology can be easily integrated into existing solar panel recycling facilities
and scaled for mass production without requiring expensive infrastructure changes.
DELAMINATION VS TRADITIONAL METHODS
In contrast, delamination-based recycling offers a more advanced approach by cleanly separating key layers
such as the front glass and back sheet without compromising the integrity of the underlying materials. This allows
for targeted extraction of valuable components, significantly improving both recovery rates and material purity.
A 2024 life-cycle analysis by MINES Paris and ROSI Solar highlighted the dramatic difference: while traditional
shredding processes recover only the bulk materials (glass, aluminium, copper), they leave silver and silicon
unrecovered—ultimately lost to landfill. In contrast, ROSI Solar’s thermal delamination process applies a
controlled heat treatment to separate the panel layers without damaging the embedded materials. This enables
the full recovery of previously unrecovered elements, particularly silver and silicon, pushing total material
recovery to over 95% by value. Importantly, the recovered material value was shown to be 3–4 times higher
than that of traditional shredding.
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
Table 1 - Comparison between Crushing vs MJHT Delamination PV Solar Cell Recycling
Method
Crushing
MJHT Delamination
Process
Mechanical shredding &
crushing of full panel
Layer-by-later separation
(thermal, chemical or
mechanical)
Material Integrity
High contamination mixed
fragments
Preserves materials in cleaner
separable form
Silver Recovery
<5% (often lost in residue)
Up to 95-100% recovery
possible
Economic Value
Approx 35% of panel value
recovered
Potential for 3-4x higher value
recovery compared to crushing
Environmental Impact
Higher waste, more landfill
Enables circular economy,
reduces environmental burden
SILVER METAL MARKET
Silver is a critical material in solar panel manufacturing due to its exceptional conductivity, directly
impacting the efficiency of PV cells. As the global push for renewable energy accelerates and older
solar panels begin to reach end-of-life, the urgency for sustainable silver recovery is rising.
Delamination-based processes have proven particularly effective for silver recovery. By cleanly
separating the cell layers, these methods preserve the silver contacts embedded within, enabling nearly
complete extraction. In comparison, traditional crushing methods tend to scatter or destroy the fine
silver content, making recovery economically unviable.
In 2025, silver demand is set to reach a record 680 million ounces, driven by a 7% increase in industrial
demand. This surge reflects the growing use of silver in various sectors, with photovoltaics and AI
emerging as the fastest-growing drivers of consumption. As demand continues to rise, it is expected to
outpace supply, leading to significant price increases. See Figures 7 and 8. The silver market is facing
a shortfall, which is pushing prices upward, highlighting the growing importance of silver recovery from
recycling. As traditional mining struggles to meet demand, recycling will play an increasingly vital role
in securing the supply of this critical metal. The continued expansion of industries reliant on silver,
coupled with supply constraints, suggests that silver's value will likely remain high in the coming years.
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
35%
600
30%
500
25%
400
20%
300
15%
200
10%
100
5%
0
Photovoltaic chare
Million ounces
700
0%
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Photovoltaics
Other Electrical
Other
Photovoltaics (Share Right)
2023
2024
2025
Brazing Alloys & solders
Source: Metals Focus, Wisdom Tree, January 2025 Electrical
Figure 7 – Silver Demand Driven by PV Cells
Figure 8 – Silver 10-Year Price Trend
LU7, leveraging its expertise in precious metal extraction, is well-positioned to capitalize on this emerging
opportunity. By combining its chemical knowledge with advanced recycling technologies, LU7 intends to play a
key role in scaling up silver recovery from decommissioned solar panels.
SILICON METAL MARKET
Silicon is essential in both the semiconductor and solar energy industries, forming the foundation of microchips,
PV cells, AI processors and 5G infrastructure. The global semiconductor silicon wafer market was valued at
US$12.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to exceed US$17.8 billion by 2038, driven by rapid advancements in
artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and renewable energy technologies.10
In solar panels, silicon is the primary semiconductor material, enabling the conversion of sunlight into electricity.
Crystalline silicon (c-Si) is used in over 90% of all solar panels, making it the industry standard due to its high
efficiency, durability, and abundance. However, the rising demand for both semiconductors and solar energy
has led to supply chain constraints, increasing the urgency for sustainable silicon recovery and recycling.
Silicon Metal Market
Market Size in Million Tonnes
CAGR 5.41% Metal Market
4.49 million
3.45 million
2025
2030
Source: Mordo Intelligence
Figure 9 – Silicon Metal Growth Expected 10
Delamination presents a viable pathway for preserving silicon’s structural integrity during the recycling process.
By separating the encapsulant layers without mechanical destruction, the silicon cells can be reclaimed in a
10. https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/semiconductor-silicon-wafer-market-100105
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
purer, more usable form—supporting reuse in both solar and semiconductor applications. As market demand
continues to surge, silicon recovery from end-of-life panels represents a major opportunity f
Share your feedback
Discover