The method for producing a photovoltaic cell includes applying, on a partial region of one surface side of a semiconductor substrate, a first p-type diffusion layer forming composition including a p-type impurity-containing glass powder and a dispersion medium; applying, on at least a region other than the partial region on the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a second p-type diffusion layer forming composition which includes a p-type impurity-containing glass powder and a dispersion medium and in which a concentration of the p-type impurity is lower than that of the first p-type diffusion layer forming composition, where the first p-type diffusion layer forming composition is applied; heat-treating the semiconductor substrate on which the first p-type diffusion layer forming composition and the second p-type diffusion layer forming composition are applied to form a p-type diffusion layer; and forming an electrode on the partial region.