A substrate processing apparatus that roughens the surface of a substrate
through a dry etching method by covering the surface of the substrate to
be processed with a plate provided with a number of opening portions. The
plate is provided with the opening portions in such a manner that an open
area ratio of the opening portions on the peripheral side is smaller than
an open area ratio of the opening portions in the central portion when
the plate is viewed in a plane. It is thus possible to form textures on
the surface of the substrate efficiently and homogenously, which in turn
makes it possible to manufacture highly efficient solar cells or the like
at a low cost.