CdO and Cu2O thin films have been grown on glass substrates by chemical deposition method. Optical transmittances of the CdO and Cu2O thin films have been measured as 60-70% and 3-8%, respectively in 400-900 nm range at room temperature. Bandgaps of the CdO and Cu2O thin films were calculated as 2.3 and 2.1 eV respectively from the optical transmission curves. The X-ray diffraction spectra showed that films are polycrystalline. Their resistivity, as measured by Van der Pauw method yielded 10(-2)-10(-3) Omega cm for CdO and approximately 10(3) Omega cm. for Cu2O. CdO/Cu2O solar cells were made by using CdO and Cu2O thin films. Open circuit voltages and short circuit currents of these solar cells were measured by silver paste contacts and were found to be between 1-8 mV and 1-4 muA. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.