A method for producing an electrode in a semiconductor layer includes providing a substrate with a first surface and a second surface, forming a first trench having sidewalls and extending into the substrate from the first surface and forming a plug in the first trench. The method further includes reducing a thickness of the semiconductor substrate by removing semiconductor material beginning at the first surface so as to at least partially uncover sidewalls of the plug and forming a semiconductor layer on the semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor layer at least partially covering the uncovered sidewalls of the plug, and having an upper surface.