1. What is this item?
A Diesel Generator (DG Set) is a backup or prime power source that uses diesel fuel to drive an engine coupled to an alternator, producing electricity. On farms, DG sets ensure uninterrupted power for critical loads—irrigation pumps, cold rooms, processing units, or during grid failures.
2. How is the Quantity Estimated?
• Load Assessment: Sum up the total connected load (in kW or kVA) of appliances and equipment you need to run simultaneously (pumps, lights, motors, control panels).
• Safety Margin: Add 15–25% extra capacity for future expansion and to prevent overloading.
• Number of Sets: Often one DG set sized for peak load; larger farms may use multiple smaller sets for redundancy.
3. What are the Cost Components?
• DG Unit (open or canopy-enclosed)
• Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) for seamless grid-to-DG switchover
• Acoustic Canopy (for noise reduction, if required)
• Fuel Tank (day tank + bulk storage)
• Control Panel & Wiring (cabling, breakers, MCCB)
• Foundation & Mounting (concrete plinth, anti-vibration mounts)
• Exhaust Silencer & Piping
• Installation & Commissioning (labor, testing, load bank run)
• Permits & Inspection Fees (environmental clearances, if applicable)
• Maintenance Contract (optional, annual servicing)
4. Going Rates & Per Unit Cost
• Capex (Equipment + Installation):
o Open DG Set: ₹3,000–₹4,500 per kVA installed (e.g., a 50 kVA open DG ≈ ₹1.5–₹2.25 Lakhs)
o Canopy-Enclosed DG: ₹4,500–₹6,000 per kVA (e.g., a 50 kVA canopy set ≈ ₹2.25–₹3 Lakhs)
• Fuel Consumption: ~0.24–0.28 L/kWh → Diesel cost (₹90–₹100/L)
• Opex (Maintenance + Fuel):
o Annual Maintenance: ~5–7% of capex (₹7,500–₹15,000 per year for a 50 kVA set)
o Fuel Cost: For 8 hrs/day at full load → 50 kVA×0.25 L/kWh×8 h×₹100/L ≈ ₹10,000/month
Example: A 50 kVA canopy DG at ₹5,000/kVA →
• Equipment & installation: ₹2.5 Lakhs
• ATS & wiring: ₹25,000
• Fuel tank & exhaust: ₹30,000
• Installation labor: ₹20,000
Total ≈ ₹3.3 Lakhs
This ensures your farm stays powered—come rain or shine!
