If you are researching the RECDprice for DG set in 2026, the first thing to understand is that there is no single price that applies to every diesel generator. The final quotation can vary according to the engine, gross mechanical power, RECD model, installation arrangement, fabrication requirements, quantity, location and support package.

CPCB has published a procedure for emission-compliance testing of Retrofit Emission Control Devices (RECDs) for diesel power-generating-set engines up to 800 kW gross mechanical power. The procedure was revised on July 24, 2023. CPCB also publishes a manufacturer list for RECDs applicable to different in-use diesel genset engine-power ranges and Phase I/Phase II applications. The official list currently available is dated May 9, 2025. For a 2026 purchase, buyers should therefore compare technical suitability and complete project cost, rather than choosing a product from an advertised price alone.

Why RECD Price Is Not a Fixed Number

An RECD is not necessarily a standard, one-size-fits-all component.

The final cost may be influenced by:

• Engine manufacturer

• Engine model

• Gross mechanical power

• DG-set rating

• RECD model

• Applicable product range

• Exhaust configuration

• Installation requirements

• Fabrication

• Transportation

• Commissioning

• Warranty

• Service support

• Quantity ordered

This explains why two businesses can request an RECD for apparently similar generators and receive different quotations.

The first step is therefore to identify the exact DG application.

Start With Your DG Set Specifications

Before requesting a price, collect the generator information that the supplier will need.

Record:

Engine manufacturer: ______

Engine model: ______

Engine serial number: ______

Gross mechanical power: ______ kW

DG-set rating: ______ kVA

Exhaust-pipe diameter: ______

Installation location: ______

Quantity: ______

Also take clear photographs of the engine nameplate and existing exhaust arrangement.

CPCB's official RECD information is structured around in-use diesel genset engine power ranges, which makes detailed engine information important when determining product applicability.

Engine Power Can Affect Product Selection

Many buyers search for an RECD based only on the DG's kVA rating.

For example:

“I need an RECD for a 500 kVA generator.”

That is useful information, but it may not be enough.

CPCB's published manufacturer list identifies different RECD applicability ranges in kW. For example, the list contains different ranges covering smaller engines as well as applications reaching approximately 797 kW, with separate Phase I and Phase II entries.

Therefore, provide the engine's relevant power information when requesting a quotation.

The RECD Model Is Another Major Cost Factor

Different RECD products can have different configurations, specifications and applicability.

Before discussing price, ask the supplier for the exact:

• Manufacturer

• RECD model/type

• Application range

• Technical datasheet

• Relevant certification/test information

Do not accept a quotation that simply says:

“RECD system — ₹_____.”

For a technical purchase, the product identity should be clear.

CPCB's RECD procedure establishes a formal framework for testing and type approval of RECDs for applicable diesel generating-set engines.

What Is Included in the Quoted Price?

This is one of the biggest reasons RECD quotations can appear very different.

Consider two hypothetical proposals.

Supplier A

Equipment: ₹90,000
Installation: Extra
Fabrication: Extra
Transportation: Extra

Supplier B

Equipment: ₹105,000
Installation: Included
Fabrication: Included
Transportation: Included
Commissioning: Included

Supplier A appears cheaper initially.

But the final project cost may tell a different story.

Always request an itemized quotation.

Installation Can Significantly Affect the Final Cost

The physical DG installation should be evaluated before the purchase is finalized.

The supplier may need to review:

• Exhaust-pipe diameter

• Flanges

• Silencer

• Pipe bends

• Available mounting space

• Existing support arrangement

• Access for installation

• Required fabrication

CPCB's RECD procedure includes technical considerations associated with exhaust installation and testing, including exhaust back pressure.

This is why installation should not be treated as a minor extra.

For a straightforward installation, the additional work may be limited. A more complicated exhaust arrangement can require additional fabrication and labour.

Don't Compare Equipment Price Alone

When a supplier gives an equipment-only quotation, calculate the actual project cost.

A useful formula is:

Total project cost = Equipment + Fabrication + Installation + Transportation + Commissioning + Applicable taxes/charges

This is more useful than comparing the headline product price.

A supplier offering a higher equipment price may actually provide a more competitive complete solution if more services are included.

What Affects Installation Cost?

Installation costs can vary according to:

Exhaust Arrangement

More complicated exhaust routing can require additional work.

Site Accessibility

A restricted DG room may need more time and labour.

Fabrication

Custom flanges, supports or modifications can increase the project cost.

Location

Travel and transportation can affect installation charges.

Quantity

Installing multiple systems at one site may allow more efficient scheduling.

Commissioning

Some quotations include commissioning; others charge separately.

Ask the supplier to specify every item.

Consider Transportation and Location

A supplier located far from your installation site may quote a competitive equipment price but add significant logistics costs.

Confirm:

• Freight

• Loading

• Unloading

• Transportation

• Site delivery

• Technician travel, where applicable

For multiple locations, request site-wise delivery and installation costs.

A national supplier and a local supplier may structure their prices differently, so compare the total project value rather than simply the equipment price.

Quantity Can Affect the Commercial Proposal

If an organization has several DG sets, it may receive a different quotation from the one-unit price.

A supplier may offer:

• Quantity discounts

• Combined transportation

• Bulk installation rates

• Consolidated commissioning

• Service packages

However, the technical suitability of each RECD still needs to be established.

CPCB's manufacturer list shows that applicability can vary by engine-power range and Phase, so bulk purchasing should not mean automatically assigning the same product to every generator.

Warranty Should Be Included in Cost Evaluation

Two suppliers may offer similar equipment prices but very different warranty conditions.

Compare:

• Warranty duration

• Warranty start date

• Covered components

• Labour coverage

• Site-visit coverage

• Replacement-part coverage

• Exclusions

• Claim process

For example, a supplier offering a lower initial price with very limited support may not provide better overall value than one with a broader, clearly documented warranty.

Always request written warranty terms.

After-Sales Service Has a Commercial Value

Service support should also be considered when evaluating total cost.

Ask:

• Is technical troubleshooting available?

• Are site visits provided?

• How are warranty complaints handled?

• Are spare parts available?

• Is preventive maintenance support offered?

• How quickly can service be arranged?

This is especially important when the DG is a critical backup power source.

A low-cost system that is difficult to maintain may become more expensive over its operating life.

What Should a Supplier Include in the Proposal?

A useful technical-commercial proposal should ideally contain:

Product

• Manufacturer

• Model

• Quantity

• Application range

Technical

• Specifications

• Installation requirements

• Applicable documentation

Installation

• Site survey

• Fabrication

• Installation

• Commissioning

Commercial

• Unit price

• Transportation

• Taxes

• Payment terms

• Delivery schedule

Support

• Warranty

• Maintenance

• Spare parts

• Service

The more clearly these items are separated, the easier the proposal is to compare.

Beware of Generic Online Price Claims

You may see advertisements such as:

“RECD available at ₹X.”

Treat that figure as an initial reference, not necessarily as your final project cost.

The actual quotation can change after the supplier receives:

• Engine model

• Power details

• Exhaust photographs

• Quantity

• Installation location

• Fabrication requirements

Online pricing can therefore be useful for research but should not replace a DG-specific quotation.

How to Get a More Accurate RECD Quote

Send the supplier a complete enquiry.

DG Details

Engine manufacturer: ______
Engine model: ______
Gross mechanical power: ______ kW
DG capacity: ______ kVA

Installation

Exhaust diameter: ______
Site location: ______
Number of DGs: ______

Required Scope

Equipment: Yes
Installation: Yes/No
Fabrication: Yes/No
Commissioning: Yes/No

Ask for:

Equipment price + Installation + Fabrication + Transportation + Commissioning + Warranty

This produces a more useful commercial proposal.

What About Certification-Related Costs?

Buyers should distinguish between:

The price of the RECD equipment

and

Any separate engineering, testing, documentation or project-service costs.

The exact commercial scope depends on the supplier and application.

CPCB's official RECD procedure sets out the testing and type-approval framework; buyers should not assume that an arbitrary fee advertised online represents an official CPCB fee or that paying a seller guarantees regulatory approval.

CPCB has also publicly warned about people falsely claiming to be CPCB officers or consultants, so regulatory claims and requests for money should be independently verified.

Compare Manufacturers Carefully

CPCB's published manufacturer list dated May 9, 2025 includes manufacturers such as Automoto Genset Solutions LLP and Chakr Innovation Pvt. Ltd., with different engine-power ranges and Phase I/Phase II applications.

This does not mean one listed manufacturer should automatically be considered “best.”

Instead, compare:

• Product applicability

• Exact model

• Documentation

• Installation capability

• Delivery

• Warranty

• Service

• Total cost

A manufacturer suitable for one DG application may not necessarily be suitable for another.

For a 2026 procurement, also verify whether CPCB has published any newer manufacturer information.

Is a Higher Price Always Better?

No.

A higher price does not automatically mean:

• Better product

• Better certification

• Better installation

• Better service

Likewise, a lower price does not automatically mean:

• Fake product

• Poor quality

• Non-compliant product

Price should be interpreted alongside technical specifications and scope.

A useful comparison is:

Technical suitability + Documentation + Installation + Warranty + Service + Total Cost

Can You Save Money Without Reducing Technical Quality?

Yes, but savings should come from efficient procurement rather than removing important technical requirements.

Possible approaches include:

Compare Multiple Quotations

Obtain several equivalent proposals.

Negotiate Bulk Pricing

Useful when several DGs are involved.

Combine Site Visits

For multiple units at one facility, technical assessment may be coordinated.

Plan Fabrication Early

Unexpected site changes can increase cost.

Compare Complete Scope

Avoid choosing a low equipment price and discovering additional charges later.

Evaluate Long-Term Support

A reliable maintenance arrangement can reduce future expenses.

Savings should not come from skipping essential documentation or technical verification.

The Role of RECD Installation Service

For buyers comparing complete project costs, RECD installation service for DG set should be evaluated as a separate part of the quotation.

Ask the supplier:

• Is installation included?

• Is site inspection included?

• Is fabrication included?

• Is commissioning included?

• Are technician travel costs included?

• Is post-installation support included?

An installation package that clearly defines these responsibilities can make a quotation much easier to evaluate.

Maintenance Costs Should Also Be Considered

An RECD purchase is not necessarily limited to the initial installation.

Ask the manufacturer about:

• Inspection requirements

• Maintenance frequency

• Service components

• Replacement parts

• Controller/sensor maintenance, where applicable

• Service visits

The manufacturer's recommendations should guide the maintenance plan for the specific product.

Cost Checklist for Buyers

Before approving a quotation, check:

Equipment

• Exact RECD model identified

• Quantity confirmed

• Unit price confirmed

• Product applicability verified

Installation

• Site survey

• Fabrication

• Installation

• Commissioning

Logistics

• Transportation

• Loading/unloading

• Technician travel where applicable

Support

• Warranty

• Spare parts

• Maintenance

• Service

Documentation

• Technical datasheet

• Relevant certification/test documents

• Invoice

• Installation records

CPCB Verification Before Purchase

CPCB maintains official generator-set resources, including Type Approval/COP information.

Its published RECD procedure provides the testing and type-approval framework for applicable RECDs for diesel power-generating-set engines up to 800 kW.

The published manufacturer list dated May 9, 2025 provides manufacturer-specific applicability and certification agency information.

Because official information can be updated, buyers making a 2026 purchase should check CPCB's latest publications before treating any supplier's certification or compliance statement as current.

For site-specific requirements, also verify the position of the relevant State Pollution Control Board, Pollution Control Committee or other competent authority.

Final Thoughts

The RECD price for DG set should never be evaluated as a single number disconnected from the generator and project requirements. A realistic cost assessment begins with the DG's engine and gross mechanical power. From there, identify the appropriate RECD model and review the supporting documentation. Then calculate the complete project cost, including installation, fabrication, transportation, commissioning, warranty and service. For organizations looking to reduce procurement costs, the best savings usually come from comparing equivalent quotations, negotiating volume pricing, planning installation efficiently and selecting a supplier with transparent support terms-not from cutting out essential technical verification.