RECD Price Guide for Diesel Generators in India 2026 (5 kVA to 1500 kVA)

Last updated: May 2026. Retrofit Emission Control Devices (RECDs) are the cheapest legal path to CPCB IV+ compliance for most existing diesel generators in India. This guide shares the indicative installed-cost bands across all common kVA tiers, what drives variation in pricing, which RECD brands are CPCB-approved, and how to decide between retrofitting your existing genset versus replacing it.

What a RECD Actually Does (60-Second Version)

A Retrofit Emission Control Device is a CPCB-approved exhaust-side filtration system that bolts onto your existing diesel generator. It traps particulate matter (PM), oxidizes carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and in advanced systems reduces NOx through selective catalytic reduction (SCR). The result: emissions from a pre-CPCB IV+ genset come down to levels equivalent to a new CPCB IV+ unit, certified by ARAI or ICAT testing.

Crucially, a RECD does NOT replace your engine, alternator, or control panel. It is purely an exhaust treatment add-on. That is why it costs 15-30% of a new genset rather than 100%.

Indicative RECD Installed Cost by Generator Capacity

The single most-asked question we get: "How much will RECD cost for my X kVA genset?" Here is the honest market range based on installs we have done across North India in 2024-26.

The bands above include the RECD device, installation labour, exhaust re-routing where needed, mounting brackets, calibration, post-install emission testing, and ARAI/ICAT certificate handover. They reflect market observation across CPCB-approved brands. For an exact quote on your unit, send us your details on our RECD page or WhatsApp +91-97993-03700.

What Drives the Price Variation Within Each Band

Two operators with the same kVA genset can pay 40-60% different amounts for RECD. The variables that drive the difference:

• Exhaust routing complexity. A genset in a clean, accessible plant room with a straight exhaust path costs the lower end. A genset on a rooftop with bent exhaust runs through multiple floors costs more.
• Mounting space. If there is room beside the genset for the RECD mounting, install is fast. If we need to fabricate custom support frames, costs rise.
• RECD brand and tier. Cummins and KOEL OEM kits typically cost more than CPCB-approved third-party kits but offer brand-aligned warranty and engineer training.
• DPF tier (with or without active regeneration). Passive DPF is cheaper; active-regen DPF with electronic burner costs more but needs less manual cleaning.
• SCR module inclusion. Some installs are PM-only (cheaper); others include SCR for NOx control (required for some installations).
• Stack height modifications. If your existing exhaust stack needs to be raised to CPCB-mandated height after RECD addition, that is additional fabrication and erection cost.
• Site access for crane / dismantling. Rooftop installs requiring crane mobilization add Rs 25,000-1 lakh depending on building height.
• Geographic location. Bhiwadi/Gurgaon/NCR installs are typically standard; remote sites add transport and per-diem costs.

CPCB-Approved RECD Brands We Install

We only install RECDs that are CPCB-approved and ARAI/ICAT certified for the relevant emission category. Brand selection depends on your engine model and capacity.

Cummins RECD

Preferred for Cummins-engine gensets across 30 kVA upwards. Comes with Cummins type approval and engineer training. Best fit for buyers who already run Cummins units and want OEM continuity. Typically lands in the upper half of the indicative band.

KOEL (Kirloskar Oil Engines) RECD

Preferred for Kirloskar-engine units. Comes with KOEL type approval. Strong Pan-India OEM service network. Pricing similar to Cummins.

Certified Third-Party RECDs

For Greaves, Mahindra Powerol, Ashok Leyland, and other multi-brand fleets where the OEM does not offer a first-party RECD. We use only CPCB type-approval-vetted suppliers. Typically lands in the lower-mid band, with full ARAI/ICAT compliance documentation included.

Each install ships with the CPCB type-approval certificate of the specific RECD model. Sample copy available on request.

RECD Retrofit vs New CPCB IV+ vs Buyback: Which Should You Choose?

RECD is not always the right answer. Here is honest sizing for the three legal compliance paths.

Choose RECD if...

• Genset is 100-500 kVA
• Engine and alternator are healthy (under 10,000 running hours)
• Capacity is correctly sized for your current load (no need to upsize)
• Budget priority - 15-30% of new replacement cost
• Downtime tolerance - 1-3 working days

Choose New CPCB IV+ Genset if...

• Existing unit is over 10 years old
• Running hours above 10,000
• You want 10-15% better fuel economy from CRDI engines
• Your load profile has changed (need different kVA)
• You want 5-year warranty + IoT remote monitoring + highest resale value
• Budget supports Rs 1.5 lakh - 2 crore depending on capacity

See our CPCB IV+ price bands for new genset indicative ranges.

Choose Buyback + Used CPCB IV+ if...

• You want CPCB IV+ + warranty at 40-60% of new cost
• You have an old DG you want to dispose of cleanly
• You want single-vendor handover (we buy the old, sell you the inspected used)
• You can wait for the right inspected unit from our inventory

See our used inventory + buyback guide.

Quickest decision: use our free CPCB Compliance Checker with 4 inputs about your existing unit. It returns an instant verdict + recommended path.

What the Installed Price Includes (and What It Does Not)

Our indicative bands cover what we consider a complete install. Here is the line-by-line breakdown:

Included in the band

• CPCB-approved RECD device (the hardware)
• Installation labour by trained engineers
• Exhaust line modifications and re-routing within normal complexity
• Mounting brackets and structural supports for standard install
• Sensor calibration and DPF baseline setup
• Post-install emission testing on PM, NOx, CO, HC
• ARAI/ICAT-style certificate handover
• Operator training (1 session covering routine cleaning + alarm response)
• 3-month warranty on installation workmanship

Typically billed separately

• Site civil work (foundation modifications, mounting platform fabrication for non-standard installs)
• Stack height increases beyond original spec (if site survey reveals non-compliance)
• Crane/lift mobilization for rooftop or constrained-access installs
• Transport costs for sites outside our standard service zone (Bhiwadi/NCR/Rajasthan)
• State pollution board CTO renewal fees (if your CTO has lapsed)
• Ongoing DPF cleaning service (typically every 250-500 hours of runtime)
• Replacement DPF cartridge at end of life (typically 6,000-10,000 running hours)

Ongoing Cost of Running a RECD

RECD is not zero-maintenance after install. Plan for these ongoing costs:

• DPF cleaning every 250-500 hours. Cost Rs 5,000-15,000 per cleaning depending on kVA. Frequency depends on engine condition, fuel quality, and load profile. Higher-quality fuel and well-tuned engines extend the interval.
• AdBlue refill for SCR-equipped systems. AdBlue (urea solution) is consumed at roughly 4-6% of diesel volume. For a unit running 200 hours/year at 50 L/hr diesel, that is approximately 400-600 L of AdBlue/year, costing Rs 8,000-15,000.
• Annual emission re-testing. Some state PCBs require periodic emission validation. Cost Rs 10,000-30,000 per test depending on lab.
• DPF cartridge replacement at end of life. Cost Rs 30,000-2 lakh depending on RECD size and brand. Lifespan typically 6,000-10,000 hours of runtime.
• Fuel efficiency penalty (small but real). RECD adds 1-2% to fuel consumption due to back-pressure. On a unit consuming Rs 5 lakh/year of diesel, that is Rs 5,000-10,000/year of extra fuel cost.

Net annual ownership cost for RECD on a 250 kVA running 200 hours/year typically lands at Rs 20,000-50,000/year - significantly less than the operational risk of a non-compliant unit being banned during a CAQM inspection or GRAP escalation.

Real Install Timelines

Here is what to plan for around your install:

• Day 0: WhatsApp us your details (genset year, kVA, brand, location). Same-day indicative quote response.
• Day 1-3: Free site assessment by our engineer. Detailed quote with line items, install plan, certification path.
• Day 4-10: RECD device procurement (longer lead times for premium OEM kits, faster for standard third-party).
• Install day: 4 hours to 4 days depending on capacity and site complexity. Production downtime planned with you.
• Day after install: Emission testing and certificate generation. ARAI/ICAT-style report handed over.
• Week 2-3: Optional: assist with state PCB filing for updated CTO showing RECD-compliant status.

How to Save Money on RECD

Three legitimate ways to bring your RECD spend to the lower half of the band:

1. Batch retrofit if you have multiple gensets. Two or more units at the same site qualify for shared mobilization discount of 8-15%.
2. Combine with AMC enrolment. RECD + 3-year AMC bundle typically gets 5-10% discount on the RECD price, plus locked-in maintenance cost.
3. Off-season install. Pre-monsoon (May-June) and post-Diwali (November-December) are typically less busy. Lead times shorten and pricing flexes 5-10% lower than peak season.

How to Get a Firm RECD Quote

The indicative bands above are for your budgeting. For a firm quote, we need to assess your specific genset and site. Send us the following on WhatsApp:

• Generator brand and model (visible on nameplate)
• kVA capacity
• Year of manufacture
• Approximate running hours
• Installation location (city, building type, ground/rooftop)
• Two photos: one of the genset, one of the exhaust outlet area

We respond with an indicative quote within 2 working hours and arrange a free site assessment within 48 hours. Call +91-97993-03700 or message on WhatsApp.

For more on CPCB compliance pathways: read our Delhi NCR generator rules guide, or browse our complete RECD service details.