A solar cell is provided that comprising a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type; a first semiconductor layer having the first conductivity type, and on a principal surface of the semiconductor substrate; an insulation layer on the first semiconductor layer; a protective layer on the insulation layer; and a second semiconductor layer having a second conductivity type, and on the semiconductor substrate and the protective layer. A recessed region is positioned at a lateral side of the insulation layer, the recessed region formed by recessing a side surface of the insulation layer inward from a side surface of the first semiconductor layer and a side surface of the protective layer, and the second semiconductor layer is positioned in the recessed region above the first semiconductor layer in the recessed region.