In this work we consider the generation and recombination processes in the top layer of a solar cell. We show that the current generated from the solar cell depends on the distance between two surface coplanar adjacent current collecting electrodes with parallel configuration as well as on their width. Based on the obtained results we can estimate the optimal distance between two adjacent collecting electrodes. We also make calculations for collecting electrodes with square configuration. The comparison between the two types of electrode configurations shows that the square configuration is more efficient, and it has even better advantage for high quality solar cells designed on the basis of crystalline semiconductors. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.