Solar energy collection systems utilizing holographic optical elements useful for building integrated photovoltaics

A transparent solar energy collection system comprising;

• a holographic optical element,
• a transparent waveguide concentrator, and
• a solar energy conversion device,
• wherein the holographic optical element is optically coupled to the transparent waveguide concentrator;
• wherein the holographic optical element is configured to diffract a portion of incident light into the transparent waveguide concentrator at an angle that allows total internal reflection of the light into the solar energy conversion device;
• wherein the transparent waveguide concentrator has a major top surface for receipt of solar radiation, a bottom surface, and at least one edge surface through which radiation can escape;
• and
• wherein the solar energy conversion device is disposed on the edge surface of the transparent waveguide concentrator.