The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced a ₹5 billion Innovative Projects Component as part of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at showcasing and demonstrating advanced solar technologies and applications. Approved on February 29, 2024, this initiative seeks to increase rooftop solar capacity and empower households to generate their own electricity. With a total budget of ₹750.21 billion, the program is set to run until the fiscal year 2026-27.
The Innovative Projects Component focuses on identifying, funding, and supporting innovations in business models and technical deployments of rooftop solar systems. Its objectives include fostering innovation by identifying and financing groundbreaking advancements in business models and technical applications.
Another key goal is to support startups and institutions by providing a platform for collaborative pilots, proofs-of-concept, and scaling new business models to promote growth within the solar energy sector. Additionally, the initiative aims to create new pathways for deploying distributed renewable energy to benefit both households and businesses.
Furthermore, it seeks to empower DISCOMs by developing technological and management tools that enable distribution companies (DISCOMs) to effectively manage distributed energy resources within their grids. Overall, the initiative promotes the integration of cutting-edge technology into practical rooftop solar and distributed renewable energy deployments.
