A solar cell includes: a photoelectric conversion part having a concave and convex profile in a light receiving surface thereof; and a protective layer 10 which is provided to cover the concave and convex profile, and which includes particles therein. In a cross section, in parallel with an incident direction of light, of the protective layer 10, the number of the particles 11 contained in a second region is smaller than the number of particles 11 contained in a first region. The first region is centered at a concave portion of the concave and convex profile, and has a unit length, while the second region is centered at a convex portion of the concave and convex profile, and has the unit length.