It is reported here that the microrod array of CdSe on indium doped tin oxide coated conducting glass (ITO) substrate has been developed by a simple electrochemical synthesis method. The electrodeposition of CdSe was also investigated by cyclic voltammetric technique. The sample was characterized by XRD, EDX, FESEM and UV-vis spectroscopic. The X-ray diffraction investigation demonstrates that the CdSe microrod is a uniform hexagonal CdSe crystal. EDX shows that the high purity CdSe is obtained. Field emission scanning electron microscope ( FESEM) results show that the microrods' length, diameter, and direction of growth are nearly uniform and perpendicular to the ITO substrate. UV-vis absorption spectrum study shows the presence of direct transition with the band gap energy 2.13 eV. Photoelectrochemical solar cells are constructed using CdSe microrod array as the photocathode in polysulphide electrolyte and their power output characteristics are studied. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.