MNRE Releases Draft Guidelines for Innovative Projects Component of PM Surya Ghar Yojana
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has recently released draft guidelines for the ‘Innovative Projects’ component of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Comments and suggestions may be sent by September 23, 2024.
September 17, 2024. By Mrinmoy Dey
The PM Surya Ghar Yojana was approved by the government on February 29, 2024, to boost solar rooftop capacity with a total outlay of INR 75,021 crore.
The ‘Innovative Projects’ component is designed to foster the development of novel solar technologies and business models. The initiative encourages start-ups, research institutions, and industry experts to propose innovative solutions for integrating solar energy into everyday applications.
These innovative projects may range from blockchain-based peer-to-peer rooftop solar (RTS) projects to smart building materials and energy storage solutions linked to electric vehicles.
A financial outlay of INR 500 crore has been allocated for the innovative projects, with funding capped at 60 percent of the total project cost or INR 30 crore, whichever is lower.
Eligible participants include individuals, start-ups, and companies, while international collaborations for joint research and design will also be supported.
To promote cutting-edge advancements, the scheme will provide funding for projects that demonstrate new deployment methods for distributed renewable energy. Examples of potential projects include virtual net metering, group net metering, rent-a-roof models, and peer-to-peer sale of rooftop solar electricity.
Further, the draft specified that each project will have a maximum duration of 18 months, and the approval process will involve a two-step screening and selection process.
A dedicated Screening Committee will assess proposals for their relevance, novelty, feasibility, and societal value. Shortlisted proposals will then be evaluated by a Selection Committee composed of representatives from rooftop solar, R&D, regulatory and HRD divisions of MNRE, National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), subject experts from IITs and other eminent national institutes and chaired by the Secretary of MNRE.
To further encourage innovation, the scheme proposes an annual awards program. The award will consist of a citation and a cash prize of INR 100 lakh, INR 50 lakh, INR 30 lakh, and 10 consolation prizes of INR 5 lakh each. Interested parties can submit their proposals via the National Portal for PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
As per the draft guideline, the program will be monitored by the Mission Directorate, with the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) serving as the Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA). The SIA will ensure proper utilisation of funds, monitor the progress of projects, and release funds based on milestones achieved.
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