In this work, the properties of [1,2,5] thiadiazolo [3,4‐c] pyridine ‐alt‐cyclopenta [2,1‐b:3,4‐b′] dithiophene (PT‐CDT) and [1,2,5] thiadiazolo [3,4‐c] pyridine‐6‐carbonitrile‐alt‐cyclopenta [2,1‐b:3,4‐b′] dithiophene (PCNT‐CDT) as donors were investigated by means of Density Functional Theory. The electronic properties and optical absorption properties were discussed, and hole‐transfer properties of donors were studied by Marcus electron transfer theory. The results indicate that the linear structure of PCNT‐CDT and PT‐CDT is more stable than the spiral structure of PCNT‐CDT and PT‐CDT; the absorption peak in visible region of PCNT‐CDT is stronger and wider, and the absorption spectrum is more matchable to solar spectrum than PT‐CDT, while the maximum absorption wavelength of PCNT‐CDT has an obvious red shift; the two designed materials show strong intramolecular and intermolecular charge transfer properties; PCNT‐CDT owns a large open‐circuit voltage and low reorganization energy, as well as high hole mobility. Therefore, the newly designed PCNT‐CDT can be a potential donor material of organic solar cell. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.