The UnionMinistry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has notified the scheme guidelinesfor implementation of 'innovative projects' under the Pradhan Mantri-SuryaGhar: Free Electricity Scheme on October 8, 2024. Under the 'InnovativeProjects' component of the scheme, a fund of INR 500-crore has been earmarkedto promote progress in rooftop solar energy technologies, business models, and integrationtechniques.

It is acomponent to support startups, organizations, and industries to conduct newconceptual experiments, with a focus on emerging options such asblockchain-based peer-to-peer solar trading, smart materials, and electricvehicles, as well as rooftop solar with battery storage.

To further thisgoal, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will invite proposals as well aspromote joint research and international cooperation. The National Solar EnergyInstitute will act as a plan implementation body for innovative projectcomponents.

Selectedprojects will get financial assistance of 60 per cent of the project cost or INR30-crore, whichever is lower. In addition, prizes up to INR 1.00-crore will begiven in the form of annual awards for innovation aimed at promoting furthergrowth.