In this work, ZnO film was deposited onto microscope glass substrates at 300 +/- 5 degrees C by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique to investigate its application potential in photovoltaic solar cells. Optical, surface, structural and electrical properties of the film were investigated. Transmittance and absorbance spectra were taken to examine the optical properties, and band gap was calculated by optical method. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs and X-ray diffraction pattern were used to investigate the surface and structural properties of the film, respectively. Temperature dependent current measurements were performed by two-probe method to analyze electrical properties, and electrical conductivity at room temperature and activation energy values were calculated. After all investigations, application potential of ZnO film in photovoltaic cells as transparent conducting oxide contact was searched. (c) 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.