The surface morphology, optical and electrical properties of spray-deposited ZnO:In layers are characterized and compared to ASAHI U-type SnO2:F. Both TCO layers were implemented as front electrodes in a-Si:H single-junction solar cells. The similar V-oc of the solar cells indicates a good electrical contact between the ZnO:In layer and the a-Si:H material. The difference in solar cell performance between cells on ASAHI U-type TCO (10%) and the spray-deposited ZnO:In (8.4%) is mainly due to a Jsc-loss, caused by the lower ZnO:In bandgap and insufficient surface texturing. Surface roughening experiments of ZnO:In layers have been carried out. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.