The production of solar cells and modules needs to be efficient and economically viable. This is the only way to ensure that solar energy can be used extensively. In the project "SiThinSolar", researchers are working on the development and optimization of more cost-effective silicon-based solar cells. The project not only aims to increase the use of new materials; researchers from the Halle region are also trying to gain a better understanding of the microstructures of silicon. This knowledge can help us develop more efficient solar cells. Other aims include the minimization of waste in production processes and the increase of long-term reliability.