An ITO film as a transparent conductive film is formed on a semiconductor
layer comprising an amorphous semiconductor or a microcrystalline
semiconductor, a comb-like collecting electrode is formed on the ITO
film, and a cover glass containing alkaline ions is placed on the ITO
film and collecting electrode with a resin film made of EVA between them.
The (222) plane orientation degree of the ITO film (transparent
conductive film) is not less than 1.0, preferably not less than 1.2 and
not more than 2.6, and more preferably not less than 1.4 and not more
than 2.5. Alternatively, the transparent conductive film has an
orientation of (321) planes on the boundary side with respect to the
semiconductor layer and mainly an orientation of (222) planes in the
remaining portion. When the total thickness of the ITO film is 100 nm,
the (321)/(222) diffraction strength ratio in a 10 nm-thick portion on
the semiconductor layer side is not less than 0.5 and not more than 2.5.