Abstract: Photovoltaic power generation is the main form of solar energy utilization and the core area of global energy transformation. With the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry, it has brought abundant renewable energy to society. However, at the same time, a large number of early installed photovoltaic modules are about to be retired, causing a series of problems such as environmental pollution and efficient resource utilization. The efficient recycling and utilization of retired photovoltaic modules is still a huge challenge. This article introduces the current situation of photovoltaic power generation at home and abroad, as well as the principle and structure of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules. It focuses on the removal method of EVA film and the extraction of silicon wafers and precious metals. In order to recycle retired photovoltaic modules more efficiently and energy-saving, physical delamination, thermal delamination, and chemical delamination were used to remove the EVA film. The advantages, disadvantages, and removal rates of each method were analyzed and compared. The results showed that using a reasonable method can completely remove the EVA film. The majority of precious metals and silicon wafers in photovoltaic cells can be recovered using wet metallurgy methods. Compared to other reviews, this research provides a complete recycling process, including disassembly, module layering, material sorting, and silicon wafer and metal extraction, aiming to provide reasonable suggestions for the large-scale recycling of retired photovoltaic modules, thereby achieving green recycling of photovoltaic modules and ensuring the sustainable, healthy, green and circular development of the photovoltaic industry.