MNRE Releases Guidelines for Rs 500 Crore 'Innovative Projects' Scheme Under PM-Surya Ghar Yojana

Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced the Scheme Guidelines for implementing ‘Innovative Projects’ as part of the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This initiative is aimed at fostering advancements in rooftop solar technologies and integrating innovative business models.

With a budget allocation of Rs 500 crore specifically for the ‘Innovative Projects’ component, the scheme is designed to support startups, educational institutions, and industries in developing and testing new ideas in the solar sector. Focus areas include emerging technologies such as blockchain-based peer-to-peer solar trading, smart materials, and the integration of rooftop solar systems with electric vehicles and battery storage.

To facilitate progress in this area, the MNRE will be inviting proposals and encouraging joint research initiatives, as well as international collaborations. The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) has been designated as the Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA) for the Innovative Projects Component. Projects selected under this scheme will be eligible for financial assistance covering up to 60% of the project costs or Rs 30 crore, whichever amount is lower.

In addition to financial support, the government plans to incentivize innovation further by offering annual awards, with prizes of up to Rs 1 crore for groundbreaking advancements in the sector.

PM-Surya Ghar Yojana, approved by the Government of India on February 29, 2024, aims to significantly increase the share of solar rooftop capacity across the country, empowering residential households to generate their own electricity. With a total outlay of Rs 75,021 crore, the scheme is expected to be implemented until the fiscal year 2026-27, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable energy future in India.