The present invention includes a method for casting a silicon ingot by
using a continuous casting method by means of an electromagnetic
induction, and a method for cutting the silicon ingot as a starting
material into plural silicon blocks. When the silicon blocks with a
square section are cut out, the sectional shape of the silicon ingot is
set to be rectangular. Not less than 6 pieces of equal-sized silicon
blocks are cut out from the silicon ingot, thereby enabling to enhance
the manufacturing efficiency to a great extent. And since the amount of
excision of the edge per silicon block is reduced, the production yield
can be enhanced. Further, since the proportion of columnar crystals with
large grain size inside the ingot can be increased, it becomes possible
to enhance the conversion efficiency of a solar battery using the silicon
block as a substrate material.