Abstract Light induced deposition of metallic Zn, Fe, Co, Ni, Bi, and Cu on crystalline Si solar cell cathodes has been studied as a part of developing self-powered devices. The direct metal deposition relies on the relative position of Si Fermi level and the equilibrium potential of the metal/ion and H+/H2 in electrolyte. Direct deposition of above mentioned metals shows three types of light-induced plating (LIP) behavior. Even with a relative large potential barrier, Cu2+/Cu and Bi3+/Bi could be deposited by the induced plating of the hydrogen evolution. The current density of the Co2+/Co and Ni2+/Ni have been reduced by the light absorption of the electrolyte impact on the solar cell. This work demonstrated the Si solar cells can be used to provide self-powered for metal deposition which can be used in the heavy metal treatment for the polluted water.