kVAR Calculator (Capacitor Sizing)
Capacitor bank kvar from kW and present→target power factor — the universal formula.
The universal capacitor formula: kvar = kW × (tan φ₁ − tan φ₂). Enter load and both power factors — the bank size, cost estimate and payback appear. Size to 0.97–0.98, not 1.0: overcorrection into leading PF causes voltage rise and many SERCs penalize it too.
kvar = kW × (tan φ₁ − tan φ₂). For a typical any facility, correcting from 0.82 to 0.98 both kills the penalty and earns the incentive — capacitor banks are routinely the fastest-payback electrical investment in Indian industry. Use APFC (automatic) panels where load swings; fixed banks overcorrect at night.
Indicative estimates only, not financial or investment advice. Tariffs, subsidies and net-metering rules change — verify with your DISCOM, utility or installer before committing.
Use the free kVAR Calculator (Capacitor Sizing) online — Capacitor bank kvar from kW and present→target power factor — the universal formula. Runs instantly in your browser: no signup, no upload, mobile-friendly.
About kVAR Calculator (Capacitor Sizing)
The universal capacitor formula: kvar = kW × (tan φ₁ − tan φ₂). Enter load and both power factors — the bank size, cost estimate and payback appear. Size to 0.97–0.98, not 1.0: overcorrection into leading PF causes voltage rise and many SERCs penalize it too.
How to use kVAR Calculator (Capacitor Sizing)
- 1Enter the monthly bill, present PF and average load.
- 2Set the target PF (0.97–0.98 sweet spot).
- 3Read the penalty/incentive, the kvar bank size and its payback.
Why use kVAR Calculator (Capacitor Sizing)?
- ✓Penalty AND incentive math — most consumers can swing the sign
- ✓Capacitor kvar sizing via the textbook tanφ formula
- ✓Payback in months, not concept: penalties end, incentives begin
- ✓Sector-typical PF and bill defaults
Frequently asked questions
What is power factor penalty on an electricity bill?+
A surcharge — commonly ~1% of the bill per 0.01 below the 0.90 threshold — for drawing reactive power the grid must carry. A factory at PF 0.82 on a ₹3.5 lakh bill pays roughly ₹28,000 monthly extra. The flip side: incentives above 0.95 PAY you the same way.
How big a capacitor bank do I need?+
kvar = kW × (tanφ₁ − tanφ₂): a 300 kW load improving 0.85→0.98 needs ~125 kvar. This calculator does the trig and prices the bank; for swinging loads, specify APFC (automatic) panels so night-time light load doesn't overcorrect into leading PF.
How fast does PF correction pay back?+
Among the fastest electrical investments: penalty elimination plus incentive earnings against ₹400–800/kvar installed typically returns in 4–12 months — then earns for a decade. The payback row computes your case; it's the audit recommendation that never embarrasses.
Can power factor be too high?+
Yes — leading PF (overcorrection) raises voltage, can trip generation protections and is penalized by several SERCs. Target 0.97–0.98 lagging, never 1.0 with fixed banks. Harmonic-rich plants should also verify displacement vs true PF before adding capacitors — sometimes the fix is a filter.
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