The challenge of daylighting buildings has been about how to achieve an efficient redistribution of flux within a building with a source that is both variable in intensity and position: the sun and the sky.

Solving this problem will reduce or eliminate the need for electric lighting during the day.

Energy savings are achieved through daylight-controllable lighting systems, but interior shades can reduce daylighting potential, and glare poses significant challenges. If a low-cost technology can be devised for widespread applications, daylighting has the potential to reduce U.S. energy use by 1.0-1.5 quads (1.0-1.5 x 10¹⁵BTUs). Berkeley Lab researchers are working to develop new materials and systems for daylighting buildings in collaboration with industry.

Measuring Optically Complex Fenestration Systems

Measuring light-scattering materials systems

Modeling Daylight

Modeling daylighting systems for building applications

Virtual Prototyping

Radiance software and cloud computing to speed innovation

Prismatic Window Films

Sunlight redirection with an indoor window film

Dynamic Metamaterials

Nanoscaled prismatic structures that shape-shift with applied voltage

Optical Light Shelves

Passive optical louvers for daylighting deep spaces

Multi-zone Daylighting + Shading Systems

Indoor and outdoor shading with an upper zone for daylighting

Diffusing Materials

Diffuse daylight from windows and skylights

Holographic Glazings

Diffractive gratings for daylighting

Spectrally Selective Low-e Glazing and Films

Clear glass without the solar heat gains

Skylighting

Daylighting building interiors with toplighting

Integration with Daylighting Controls

Improving the reliability of photoelectric dimming control systems

Visual Comfort and IEQ

Evaluating comfort and indoor environmental quality impacts of daylighting systems

IEA SHC Task 31

The International Energy Agency's Solar Heating and Cooling Programme's task to daylight buildings in the 21st century (focus on tools and occupant impacts)

IEA SHC Task 21

The International Energy Agency's Solar Heating and Cooling Programme's task to daylight buildings in the 21st century (focus on technologies)