Here are average silver usage figures per product in key industrial applications (as of recent 2025–2026 data). These vary by model, technology, and manufacturer due to ongoing "thrifting" (reducing silver per unit to cut costs).
equiti.com
Solar Panels (Photovoltaics)Typical modern panel (e.g., ~400–450W, ~2 m²): 5–15 grams of silver (down significantly due to thrifting).
solarpowerworldonline.com
Silver intensity: ~8.96 mg per watt in 2025 (down from ~11.2 mg/W in 2024). A 450W module might use ~4 grams.
equiti.com
Older/higher-silver designs: Up to 20 grams per panel.
Context: PV remains a major demand driver (~150–194 Moz globally in recent years), but thrifting substitution is reducing total silver use even as installations grow.
carboncredits.com
Electric Vehicles (EVs) and AutomotiveBattery Electric Vehicle (BEV): 25–50 grams per vehicle (higher end for luxury/advanced models with more electronics, sensors, and power systems).
silverinstitute.org
Hybrid vehicles: 18–34 grams per vehicle.
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles: 15–28 grams per vehicle (for contacts, switches, and electronics).
sprott.com
Context: Automotive uses over 60 Moz annually, with EVs driving growth due to increased electronics and power management needs.
miningvisuals.com
Consumer ElectronicsSmartphone / Cell phone: ~0.2–0.34 grams (e.g., ~0.34g in older iPhone estimates; trending lower with miniaturization).
bbc.com
Laptop: 0.75–1.25 grams (or ~0.35g in some estimates for key components).
jmbullion.com
Other examples:Computer keyboard: ~0.2 grams.
LED/LCD TV: 5–20 grams.
RFID tag: 0.1–1 gram.
silverbullion.com.sg
Other Industrial ProductsBrazing alloys and solders: Varies widely by application (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, automotive joints); not typically quoted "per product" but accounts for tens of millions of ounces annually.
Ethylene oxide production (chemical industry catalyst): Not per discrete product, but ~10 Moz/year industrially.
silverinstitute.org
Grid infrastructure, AI data centers, and power electronics: Significant but aggregated (no standard "per unit" due to scale variation).
Notes: Silver's superior conductivity, corrosion resistance, and thermal properties make it hard to fully replace in many uses, though manufacturers actively thrift (use less) or explore alternatives like copper or graphene where possible. Industrial demand (especially electronics PV) accounts for ~55–61% of global silver use, with records near 650–680 Moz in recent years despite price pressures.
silverinstitute.org
Figures come primarily from the Silver Institute, Metals Focus, and industry reports. Actual amounts can differ based on specific designs and cost-driven optimizations.