By coating and structuring surfaces on a nano or micrometer scale their optical properties can be modified. Combining both coating and structuring, together with switchable and semi conducting materials enlarges the freedom of design for novel components which are required for solar applications significantly. This paper gives an overview on developments in the field of optically functional surfaces for glazing to be used in building envelopes. Topics are anti-reflective surfaces, switchable glazing, sun protection systems, light management and building integrated photovoltaics. Insight will be given on optical modelling, manufacturing methods mainly based on sputtering and interference lithography and subsequent replication, and characterization methods.
