Holographic Optical Elements: Advantages and Disadvantages for Efficient Lighting, Sun Protection, and Photovoltaic Power Supply of Buildings

The research of holographic optical elements (HOE) was carried out very intensively in the 1980s and 1990s. They provided great advantages in high-efficiency natural light, while at the same time providing effective sun protection and did not disturb the free view from the windows. The light-directing qualities of these devices made it possible to concentrate direct and scattered solar energy on photovoltaic batteries and solar collectors for hot water supply and solar heating. However, in recent years, research in this area has become less and less frequent without any explanation. The analysis of the research carried out in the framework of one of the latest projects carried out on behalf of the European Commission under the program “Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Development” (EU Contract Number: ENK6-CT‑2000–00327) with the participation of nine research organizations, higher schools, and universities is presented. The role of each of the participants in this interdisciplinary project was to attract experienced researchers in various fields of science and use their knowledge to obtain an objective result.