Retrofitted Emission control device for a generatorThe cost of a depends on far more than the equipment itself. Generator capacity, engine model, RECD configuration, installation requirements, controls, site conditions, certification-related documentation, and after-sales support can all influence the final project cost.

For organizations planning to retrofit an existing diesel generator, understanding these factors before requesting quotations can make it easier to compare suppliers and avoid unexpected expenses.

What Determines RECD Price?

There is no single universal price for every RECD.

A suitable system is selected according to the specific generator and engine application. Two DG sets with similar kVA ratings can require different configurations depending on their engine models and operating characteristics.

The main factors affecting price can include:

DG-set capacity
Engine model
RECD model or family
Required emission-control technology
Control and monitoring equipment
Exhaust-system modifications
Installation complexity
Site accessibility
Transportation
Commissioning
Warranty
After-sales support
Maintenance requirements

For this reason, a supplier should normally collect DG-set details before providing a final quotation.

Why You Should Avoid Choosing the Cheapest RECD

Price is important, but the lowest quotation is not necessarily the most economical option over the equipment's useful life.

Consider two quotations.

Quotation A may include only the RECD equipment.

Quotation B may include:

RECD equipment
Installation
Controller
Sensors
Commissioning
Warranty
Technical support
Maintenance guidance

At first glance, Quotation A may appear cheaper. However, additional installation and service costs could make the final project considerably more expensive.

total project costTherefore, compare , not only the equipment price.

What Should Be Included in an RECD Quotation?

A professional quotation should clearly separate the major cost components.

Equipment

The basic RECD and associated components.

Controller

If the selected system requires an electronic control unit.

Sensors

Depending on the system, monitoring components may be required.

Installation

Labour and installation-related activities.

Exhaust Modifications

Any required changes to the existing exhaust arrangement.

Transportation

Delivery to the installation location.

Commissioning

Testing and system commissioning after installation.

Warranty

The warranty period and covered components.

Service

Any included preventive or corrective maintenance.

Taxes

Applicable taxes and other commercial charges.

A detailed quotation makes supplier comparison much easier.

Does Generator Capacity Determine the Price?

Capacity is one factor, but it should not be treated as the only pricing parameter.

A larger generator may require a different RECD configuration, but engine characteristics and product applicability also matter.

For example, two generators could have comparable electrical ratings while using different engine models.

Their RECD requirements may therefore differ.

CPCB's revised RECD procedure connects type-approval ranges with applicable engine families, which reinforces the importance of identifying the actual engine rather than relying only on generator capacity.

Start With an Engine Assessment

Before asking for a final price, collect:

DG-set manufacturer
Engine manufacturer
Engine model
Rated power
Generator capacity
Manufacturing date
Emission stage
Existing exhaust details
Number of units
Installation location

Providing these details helps a supplier determine whether a particular RECD is appropriate.

It can also reduce the possibility of receiving a generic quotation that later changes after the site inspection.

What Is Included in RECD Installation?

Installation requirements vary by product and generator.

A typical project may involve:

Site Inspection

The installation team evaluates the generator and available space.

Technical Planning

The appropriate mounting and exhaust arrangement are determined.

Equipment Installation

The RECD and associated components are installed according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Controller Installation

Where applicable, the control system is connected and configured.

Sensor Installation

Relevant monitoring sensors are positioned according to system requirements.

Testing

The installation is inspected and operating parameters are checked.

Commissioning

The system is placed into service according to the manufacturer's procedure.

The exact sequence can differ from one product to another.

Why a Site Survey Can Change the Final Price

A site survey can reveal requirements that are not obvious from a quotation request.

For example:

Limited installation space
Difficult access
Existing exhaust modifications
Additional support structures
Long cable runs
Electrical requirements
Elevated installation locations
Restricted maintenance access

If these factors are discovered only after the purchase order, the project cost and installation schedule may change.

A site assessment before finalizing the quotation is therefore useful for larger or technically complex installations.

Installation Labour Is Not the Same Everywhere

Installation cost can depend on:

Generator location
Accessibility
Number of DG sets
Required modifications
Working hours
Required lifting equipment
Site safety requirements
Distance from the supplier's service location

For a multi-generator facility, ask whether the supplier is offering a package price or charging separately for each unit.

This can make a significant difference when comparing proposals.

What Is the Role of the Controller?

A modern emission-control system may use an electronic controller to monitor and manage relevant system functions.

RECD controller for diesel generatorThe can, depending on the product design, support functions such as:

Temperature monitoring
Pressure monitoring
Fault detection
Alarm generation
System-status monitoring
Diagnostic functions
Control of selected operating functions

Not every RECD controller has the same capabilities.

Therefore, the controller should be included in the technical comparison rather than treated as an interchangeable accessory.

Installation Cost vs Long-Term Value

The installation expense should be considered alongside the expected operational value of the system.

A properly selected and installed RECD may offer benefits such as:

Continued Use of an Existing Generator

Where technically and legally applicable, retrofit technology can allow an existing DG set to remain in service rather than immediately replacing the complete generator.

Emission Control

The primary purpose of an RECD is to control specified exhaust emissions.

Potentially Lower Disruption

Installing an emission-control system can be less disruptive than replacing an entire generating installation, although actual installation complexity varies.

Monitoring Capability

Systems equipped with electronic monitoring may provide additional information about operating conditions.

Upgrade of Existing Equipment

Retrofit technology can add emission-control functionality to an existing generator.

These benefits need to be evaluated against the generator's condition, operating profile, and applicable requirements.

What Does CPCB Require From Applicable RECDs?

CPCB's revised RECD procedure establishes requirements for retrofit after-treatment devices, including Type Approval and Conformity of Production.

For applicable Phase-I and Phase-II engines, the procedure specifies a minimum 70% particulate-matter reduction requirement through retrofitted after-treatment devices under the stated testing framework. It also specifies that other emission parameters should not be adversely affected beyond the applicable limits.

This information should not be used as a blanket claim that every product marketed as an RECD is automatically compliant.

The exact product, engine application, certification, and current requirements must be verified.

Certification Can Affect Procurement Decisions

When comparing quotations, ask the supplier to identify:

Exact RECD model
RECD family
Applicable engine family
Power range
Certification agency
Type-approval information
Relevant conformity documentation

CPCB's published information on generator sets includes Type Approval/COP information, which should be checked for the latest applicable status.

A quotation that provides clear technical documentation is generally easier to evaluate than one that simply uses the phrase “CPCB approved.”

Maintenance Should Be Included in the Cost Calculation

The purchase price is only the beginning of the ownership cost.

Depending on the technology, maintenance may involve:

Periodic inspections
Cleaning
Sensor checks
Pressure monitoring
Controller diagnostics
Replacement components
Scheduled servicing

Ask the supplier:

What will this system cost to maintain over the expected operating period?

Also ask whether routine service is included in the warranty or billed separately.

Warranty and Service Can Change the Real Cost

Suppose Supplier A offers a lower equipment price but limited service support.

Supplier B charges slightly more but provides:

Installation
Commissioning
Longer warranty
Service support
Spare-parts assistance

Supplier B may provide better overall value.

Before comparing prices, normalize both quotations so that the same services and components are being compared.

Can You Get an Exact RECD Price Online?

A supplier may publish an indicative price, but a final price generally requires product and site information.

The following details can help obtain a more accurate quotation:

DG-set capacity
Engine manufacturer
Engine model
Manufacturing year/date
Number of DG sets
Installation location
Existing exhaust details
Required delivery schedule

For larger facilities, provide photographs of the DG set and exhaust arrangement if requested by the supplier.

Questions to Ask Before Paying an Advance

Before placing an order, confirm:

Is the quoted RECD suitable for my exact engine?
What model is being supplied?
What documentation supports the certification claim?
Is installation included?
Is commissioning included?
Are controllers and sensors included?
What warranty is provided?
What maintenance is required?
What happens if the system develops a fault?
Are spare parts available?
What is the expected delivery timeline?
Are taxes and transportation included?

Written confirmation is preferable for important commercial and technical terms.

Common Pricing Mistakes

Comparing Only Equipment Cost

Installation and service may be substantial additional expenses.

Ignoring Site Conditions

Difficult installations can increase labour and infrastructure costs.

Forgetting Taxes

Always compare quotations on the same tax basis.

Not Checking Warranty

A low-cost product with limited support may have a higher long-term ownership cost.

Buying Before Technical Verification

If the product is later found unsuitable for the engine, the project can become significantly more expensive.

When Is RECD Retrofit Worth Considering?

Retrofit can be worth evaluating when:

The existing DG set remains operationally useful
The engine is within the applicable retrofit framework
A suitable RECD is available
Installation is practical
The expected service life justifies the investment
Current regulatory requirements permit continued operation with the applicable controls

However, retrofit should not automatically be selected for every generator.

If an engine is severely worn, obsolete, or outside the applicable framework, replacement or another solution may need to be considered.

2026 RECD Buying Checklist

Before approving a purchase, verify:

Generator

Engine model identified
Capacity confirmed
Manufacturing details available
Emission stage checked

RECD

Exact model identified
Engine applicability confirmed
Certification documentation reviewed
Controller requirements understood

Installation

Site survey completed where necessary
Exhaust modifications identified
Installation scope confirmed
Commissioning included

Commercial

Equipment cost confirmed
Installation cost confirmed
Transportation included
Taxes identified
Warranty reviewed

After-Sales

Maintenance plan received
Spare-parts availability confirmed
Service contact identified

Regulatory

Latest CPCB information checked
Applicable State requirements checked

Final Takeaway

The price of a Retrofitted Emission Control Device for a generator should never be evaluated as a single equipment number. The actual investment can include the RECD, controller, sensors, installation, exhaust modifications, transportation, commissioning, warranty, maintenance, and future service. For a 2026 project, generator owners should therefore avoid choosing an RECD simply because its quoted price appears attractive or because a supplier describes it as “CPCB approved.” Instead, identify the exact engine, select an appropriate certified RECD, compare complete project costs, understand installation requirements, and verify the latest official CPCB and applicable State requirements.

Retrofitted Emission Control Device for Generator: Price, Installation & Benefits

A Complete Breakdown of Pricing, Installation Steps & Why It's Worth the Investment