We present a solar control technique based on zero-order diffraction instead of thin-film interference. Such zero-order filters consist of a thin layer with a high index of refraction (e.g. TiO2) which is structured to form a zero-order grating. The thickness of the layer is a few hundred nanometers or less. The structuring can be done by embossing and the deposition of the high index layer e.g. by evaporation. Thus the technique is well suited for large area production even in roll-to-roll processes. Advantages of this technique are the low production costs due to the simple layer setup, the high speed processes and the lack of cost intensive materials like ITO. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.