As the air quality worsens, diesel generators (DG sets) have faced criticism for their emissions. The Indian government and environmental bodies have taken strong action in a bid to control emissions, enforcing the Retrofit Emission Control Device (RECD) for DG sets in a lot of places.
But like every other owner of a DG set, one of the most pressing concerns is what the retrofit emission control device price entails. Through this piece, we will look into the pricing, the logic behind varying costs, norms put forth by the government, and most importantly, why RECD is worth so much more than it costs.
What is an RECD?
A Retrofit Emission Control Device (RECD) is a type of pollution enforcement control device added to diesel generator sets to limit the emission of particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These devices employ state-of-the-art filters and catalytic techniques to mitigate the emissions from DG sets.

Attributed to older models of generators, RECDs can be retrofitted which saves a lot of money when they are compared to the need to shell out huge sums for newer models.
Retrofit Emission Control Device Price in India
Many factors determine the price of a retrofit emission control device in India. Price varies from generation to generation:
- For 15-62.5 kVA generators, the price is between ₹45,000 to ₹85,000.
- 125-250 kVA ranges from ₹90,000 to ₹1.8 lakhs.
- More than 500 kVA DG set generators, ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh or even more.
These prices are rough estimates. The owner's relocation, the type of RECD, the generator's capacity, and the ease of installation can determine the final price.
Factors Affecting RECD Price
The following are the things that determine RECD price:
1. Generator Capacity (kVA)
Generators with larger kVA capacity emit more waste. This leads to having stronger RECD systems, which are more expensive/stronger.
2. Type of Filtration Technology
There are many types of filtration for RECDs, like DPF, oDOCoc:
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
- Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC)
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
The more advanced the systems with multiple-stage filtration, the higher the price.
3. Brand and Certification
The price is higher for more trusted manufacturers. That's because the quality, durability, or compliance with government regulations is better.
4. Customisation and Add-Ons
In some cases, fitting or altering specific devices requires tailor-made solutions. These slight changes may increase costs in the end.
5. Installation and Service Charges.
Most of the time, labour and service costs are in addition to the quoted price. Make sure to confirm that installation is included in the pricing you received.
Government Mandates and Subsidies
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ensure that emission control devices have been fitted to diesel generators within the urban and industrial peripheries.
In some states, financial subsidies are available to industries for installing RECDs to incentivise compliance. Check with your local pollution control board or dealer for these subsidies, as they will likely change.
Not Installing an Emission Control Device Risks:
- Heavy fines
- Shutdown notices
- Rejection of building/environmental clearances
Is It Worth the Price?
A common concern among many businesses is the expense of retrofitting emission control devices. However, this is a cost-reducing investment if viewed from a long-term perspective.
Advantages Of Installing an RECD:
- Get Multiple Quotes from Authorised Dealers
- Avoiding fines and legal actions
- Stronger corporate image regarding environmental concerns
- Improved air quality in the region of your facility
- Better health for employees and the general public
Emissions control devices pay for themselves over time in savings and improved reputation.
Where to Buy RECD in India?
Choosing a vendor will not be a problem, as India has many CPCB-approved RECD manufacturers and suppliers that also offer:
- Tested and certified RECDs
- Proper maintenance, e-support, and warranty
- Inspection, along with installation at the site
- Annual maintenance contract options
You can check through online directories or reach out to local emission solution providers to see how their pricing and quality of services stack up against the competitors.
How to Reduce RECD Cost?
Check out the following suggestions if you wish to lower the price of your retrofit emission control deviceAuthorised
Get multiple quotes from authorised suppliers.
Get multiple quotes from authorised suppliers.
- .
- Avoid paying for transport by having the installation done locally.
- Look for MSME scheme grants or other government subsidy programs.
- Use the most basic model of RECD type that suits the generator, as not every generator requires the most high-tech model.
- When mulling over the models, consider the long-term expenses associated with upkeep.
Conclusion
The retrofit emission control device price might appear as an additional burden. Still, they are a necessary investment for people who own a diesel generator set, especially with a CPCB-approved model and looking to set pollution norms. Emission control devices help with decreasing pollution and emissions for a cleaner future.
Whether you own a commercial building, hospital, factory, or residential complex, installing an RECD on your diesel generator is no longer optional—it's the law.
Contact a certified RECD provider today for an estimate based on your type of generator. Don't wait for fines or warnings. Go green and comply with the right RECD at the best price.
Sign in to leave a comment.