The invention discloses a thickness measuring device and method for solar cells. The thickness measuring device comprises a base and a precision rotary platform on the base, wherein a photoelectric sensor is arranged above the precision rotary platform; the solar cells are placed on the precision rotary platform; and the photoelectric sensor is connected with the computer. The thickness measuring method is characterized in that the photoelectric sensor is utilized to measure tiny spots through scattered reflection, receiving is performed through a CCD photoelectric detector, value calculation is performed through a controller inside, and then, data are directly transferred to a computer and definitely displayed by a display of the computer. Intelligent, high-precision and non-contact measurement of the solar cell is realized in a complicated environment; the quality and the consistency of the solar cells are improved; the impact on the cell production process and damages to the cells due to manual contact with the cells are reduced; and owing to the characteristics of small size, easy installation, easy operation and the like, the labor intensity of workers is greatly reduced, and accordingly, the production cost is lowered.