Best WhatsApp Templates for Solar Follow-up

Most solar leads don't convert on the first message. They don't even convert on the third. The installers who close consistently are the ones who show up again, on the right day, with the right message, in a tone the customer actually responds to. The problem isn't motivation; it's having no system and no templates to execute from.

Rohit's team in Surat was sending proposals and then going quiet. Customers would say "send me the quote" at the site survey, receive the PDF, and then Rohit's reps would wait, for days, sometimes a week, before following up. Not because they didn't want to. Because they didn't know what to say next. After implementing the 7-Touch Cadence with ready templates, their Day-7 follow-up response rate went from almost nothing to above 30%.

The 7-Touch WhatsApp Follow-up Cadence, explained

The 7-Touch WhatsApp Follow-up Cadence maps each message to a specific customer psychology state. On Day 1 the customer is curious. By Day 7 they're either seriously considering or they've mentally moved on. By Day 14 urgency helps. By Day 30, a warm check-in keeps you top of mind for the next solar conversation they have with a neighbour.

1. D1

   Day 1, First contact / inquiry response

   The customer just showed interest, via Facebook Lead Ad, website inquiry, or referral. Your job is to introduce yourself, build trust immediately, and get permission to share a proposal. Speed matters: respond within 10 minutes of a new lead and you're 9× more likely to get a reply (according to InsideSales.com research).

2. D2

   Day 2, Proposal delivery

   Send the actual proposal, ideally a branded PDF with the PM Surya Ghar subsidy pre-calculated. The message accompanying the proposal is as important as the document itself. Don't just drop a file link; frame it with the headline number (₹ they save or ₹ subsidy they get).

3. D4

   Day 4, Soft follow-up / proposal check-in

   If there's been no reply after Day 2's proposal, this is your first nudge. Friendly, not pushy. Ask if they had a chance to look, offer to answer questions. A question at the end dramatically increases reply probability.

4. D7

   Day 7, Value add + social proof

   Don't follow up empty-handed. Bring something new, a recent installation photo, a neighbour's testimonial, a savings calculation, or a news update on PM Surya Ghar. Social proof at Day 7 re-engages customers who went cold without being rude about it.

5. D14

   Day 14, Urgency / limited availability

   Genuine urgency works, limited installation slots, subsidy allocation windows, or price-change notifications. This touch is designed to move undecided customers. Don't manufacture fake scarcity; use real constraints like "we have 3 installation slots for this month."

6. D21

   Day 21, Last check-in / offer to revisit

   By Day 21, if there's been no response, this is your polite last-active-attempt. Offer something tangible: a revised quote, a different system size, or a phone call. Keep it low-pressure, you're not closing, you're keeping the door open.

7. D30

   Day 30, Warm stay-in-touch

   This isn't a sales message. It's a relationship message, share a relevant news update (electricity bill increase, new DISCOM net metering rules, a subsidy extension). You're staying top of mind for the day they finally decide. Many solar deals close 45–60 days after first contact.

Day 1 templates, first contact and inquiry response

Use these when a fresh lead comes in. Speed and warmth are your two levers.

Template 1A, Response to Facebook / website inquiry

Hi [Customer Name]! 🌞

This is [Your Name] from [EPC Name]. You showed interest in rooftop solar, great decision!

A few quick questions so I can give you the right estimate:
1. Your monthly electricity bill (approx.)?
2. City / area?
3. Is this for home or office?

Takes 2 minutes and I'll share a complete quote, including your PM Surya Ghar subsidy amount.

Template 1B, Response to referral lead

Namaste [Customer Name]!

[Referrer Name] from [Area] mentioned you're exploring solar. We installed their 5 kW system last month, they're saving around ₹2,800/month on their electricity bill.

I'd love to give you a free estimate too. Can I ask a couple of quick questions?

Template 1C, Cold outreach to warm contact (event / mela)

Hi [Name], good to meet you at [Event] today!

I'm [Your Name] from [EPC Name], we install rooftop solar in [City]. Your electricity bill can drop by 70–90% and you get a government subsidy up to ₹78,000.

Mind if I send you a quick estimate? Just need your bill amount and address.

Day 2 templates, sending the solar proposal

This is the most important message in the cadence. The proposal lands here. See the full guide on how to write a solar proposal for what the document itself should contain, but the WhatsApp message wrapping it is equally critical.

Template 2A, Sending proposal with subsidy highlight

Hi [Customer Name]!

Here is your personalised solar estimate for a [X] kW system:
📄 [Proposal Link or PDF]

Key numbers for your home:
✅ PM Surya Ghar subsidy: ₹[Amount]
✅ Your net system cost: ₹[Cost after subsidy]
✅ Monthly savings estimate: ₹[Savings]
✅ Payback period: [X] years

Happy to walk you through it on a call, just say the word!

Template 2B, Proposal for commercial / office installation

Dear [Name],

Please find attached the detailed solar proposal for [Company/Property Name]:
📄 [Proposal PDF]

Summary:
• System size: [X] kW
• Annual generation: ~[X,XXX] kWh
• Annual saving on electricity: ₹[X] L
• ROI period: [X] years
• DISCOM net metering applicable: Yes ([DISCOM name])

I've included the CAPEX and OPEX (rental) options. Let me know which model suits your requirements.

For more on what your proposal document must include, check the what to include in a solar quote checklist and the showing ROI in your solar proposal guide.

Day 4 templates, soft follow-up after proposal

The customer received the proposal but hasn't replied. This is normal, don't panic, don't be aggressive.

Template 4A, Friendly check-in

Hi [Customer Name]!

Just checking in, did you get a chance to look at the solar estimate I sent on [Day]?

If you have any questions about the subsidy amount or the installation process, I'm happy to explain. Takes just 5 minutes on a call.

What do you think so far?

Template 4B, Adding a new piece of info

Hi [Name]! One quick addition to your estimate,

MSEDCL / DGVCL just updated their net metering guidelines last month. Your system qualifies for [X] kW export, which means your savings could be slightly higher than I quoted.

Want me to send an updated estimate with the new numbers?

Day 7 templates, value add and social proof

Show don't tell. Bring a proof point on Day 7.

Template 7A, Recent installation photo + testimonial

Hi [Customer Name]!

We just completed this installation in [Nearby Area] last week, [X] kW for a family with a ₹[X,000] monthly bill. They're now expecting to save ₹[X,000]/month.

[Photo of installation]

Your profile is very similar. Would love to set this up for your home too. Any questions before we move ahead?

Template 7B, News hook (subsidy / policy update)

Hi [Name]! Quick update,

The government confirmed PM Surya Ghar subsidy allocation for this financial year. Applications are being processed, but the queue is building up in [State]. Earlier you apply, earlier the funds get reserved for you.

Want me to check your application eligibility and submit the paperwork? No cost, takes 20 minutes.

According to the PM Surya Ghar National Portal, subsidy disbursement takes 45–90 days after DISCOM commissioning. See the PM Surya Ghar application process guide for what the subsidy paperwork involves and what your vendor registration must include per MNRE's vendor guidelines.

Day 14 templates, urgency and limited availability

Template 14A, Installation slots filling up

Hi [Customer Name]!

Quick update, we're filling up our [Month] installation calendar fast. Once the slots are gone, earliest availability is [Next Month].

If you're planning to go solar this year, it makes sense to confirm soon so we can block your slot and start the DISCOM approval process. That process itself takes 15–45 days.

Want to lock in your slot this week?

Template 14B, Price / equipment notice

Hi [Name], wanted to give you a heads-up.

Solar panel prices in India have moved up about 4–6% this quarter (according to <a href="https://mercomindia.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercom India</a>'s latest tracker). The quote I sent you is valid for [X] more days at the current price.

If you'd like to lock in the current rate, I can hold it for 72 hours with a small booking amount. Want me to share the booking details?

Objection handling templates

These aren't tied to a specific day, use them the moment an objection comes up in the conversation.

Template OBJ-1, "Cost is too high"

Totally understand, [Name]. Let me give you the real number after subsidy.

The gross cost is ₹[X] L. After the ₹[Subsidy] PM Surya Ghar grant, your actual outlay is ₹[Net].

If you prefer, we also have an EMI option through [Bank], ₹[EMI]/month for [X] years. That's often less than your current electricity bill.

Does the EMI option make it easier to move forward?

Template OBJ-2, "I'll check with other companies first"

Absolutely, [Name], comparing is a smart move. A few things worth checking when you look at other quotes:

✅ Is PM Surya Ghar subsidy included in their price?
✅ What brand of panels? (Check MNRE-approved list)
✅ What's the warranty on installation workmanship?
✅ Do they handle DISCOM approval paperwork?

We handle all of this and you can see our [recent installations / reviews]. Happy to answer any comparison questions, just ask!

Template OBJ-3, "My roof is not suitable / I'm renting"

Good point, [Name]. Let me clarify,

For renters: a few states allow solar on rented property with landlord consent. Or I can give you a quote to share with your landlord, many landlords like the idea of a solar asset on their property.

For roof concerns: our site survey (free) will assess your roof angle, shading, and load-bearing capacity before we commit to anything.

Shall I schedule a free site visit, no obligations?

Day 21 templates, last active attempt

Template 21A, Soft breakup message

Hi [Customer Name]!

I've reached out a few times, just want to make sure I'm not bothering you. If the timing isn't right or you've decided to go a different route, no problem at all.

If you're still considering solar, I'm here. And if there's anything about the proposal you'd like changed, system size, payment terms, just say the word.

Either way, thanks for your time!

For more on how to structure the whole cadence, read the solar proposal follow-up cadence guide, it covers timing windows in more detail.

Day 30 templates, staying warm

Template 30A, Electricity bill news hook

Hi [Name]! Sharing a quick update,

[DISCOM name] revised their tariff this quarter, residential consumers above [X] kW consumption are now paying ₹[X]/kWh. Your bill is likely to go up by ₹[X]/month from next billing cycle.

Just a reminder that solar can lock in your energy cost at ₹0 for the next 25 years. If the timing is better now, I'm ready with your estimate.

Template 30B, Festive / seasonal hook

Hi [Name]! Wishing you and your family a happy [Festival]!

Quick note, many customers in [Area] are placing solar orders before year-end to claim the PM Surya Ghar subsidy in this financial year. If you'd like to do the same, we need about 45 days for installation + DISCOM commissioning.

Want me to check if we can still make it in time?

Closing templates, when the customer is ready

Template CLOSE-1, Verbal confirmation received

Wonderful, [Name]! So happy to hear that.

To get started, I'll need:
1. A copy of your recent electricity bill
2. Aadhaar and PAN for the PM Surya Ghar application
3. A booking amount of ₹[Amount] (adjustable against total cost)

I'll share payment details and we'll begin the DISCOM application immediately. Expected installation: [Date Range].

Does this work for you?

Template CLOSE-2, Sending payment / booking link

Hi [Customer Name]! As discussed:

Booking details:
📋 Project: [X] kW solar system at [Address]
💰 Total cost: ₹[X] (after ₹[Subsidy] PM Surya Ghar subsidy)
📅 Target installation: [Month]

Booking amount: ₹[X]
Payment link: [UPI / Bank Transfer details]

Once booking is confirmed, I'll share the full project timeline and start the DISCOM paperwork. Any questions, just call!

Referral ask templates, post-installation

These messages go out 15–30 days after a successful installation.

Template REF-1, Happy customer referral ask

Hi [Customer Name]! Hope the solar system is performing well.

Quick question, if you know anyone in [Area] who would benefit from solar (neighbours, family, colleagues), we'd love a warm introduction. For every referral that installs with us, we'll give you ₹[Referral Bonus] as a thank-you.

No pressure, just thought I'd ask since you've been such a pleasure to work with!

Template REF-2, With testimonial request

Hi [Name]! It's been [X] months since your installation.

Two small requests if you're happy with the system:
1. A short Google review, it helps other families find us. [Link]
2. If you know anyone exploring solar, please share my number: [Number]

As a token of appreciation, I'll send you a ₹[Amount] Amazon voucher once your review goes live. Thank you!

Mistakes solar reps make with WhatsApp templates

Even with good templates, execution errors kill conversions. The most common ones:

Copy-pasting without personalising. Customers can tell when a message is a template. Always replace [Name], [System Size], [Subsidy Amount] with real values. A message with the customer's actual subsidy amount converts 3× better than a generic one. QuickEstimate's Proposal Generator auto-fills these personalisation fields.

Sending at the wrong time. WhatsApp messages sent at 8–9 pm on weekdays get the best open and reply rates for residential solar leads in India. Messages sent at 2 pm on a weekday get the worst, most homeowners are at work. Commercial leads respond better during business hours (10 am–12 pm, 3–5 pm).

No WhatsApp Business profile. If you're using these templates from a personal account, customers see your personal name and photo, not your EPC brand. Upgrade to WhatsApp Business first, it takes 15 minutes and is free.

Following up too fast. Day 1 and Day 2 are fine to be close together. But jumping from Day 2 straight to Day 4 and Day 5 looks desperate. Stick to the cadence spacing, let the customer breathe between touches.

How QuickEstimate fits

The templates in this guide work best when you have a system generating the proposal in 60 seconds rather than spending 20 minutes in Excel. Rohit's reps open QuickEstimate at the site, fill in customer name, address, sanctioned load, and system size, and the proposal PDF is ready with the PM Surya Ghar subsidy already calculated. They WhatsApp it using Template 2A above. The whole process takes under 3 minutes.

The WhatsApp Follow-up module then sets Day 4, Day 7, and Day 14 reminders automatically, so no rep has to remember, the app tells them when to follow up and what to send.

• Proposal Generator, creates the branded PDF your Day 2 template attaches, with PM Surya Ghar subsidy auto-calculated so you never put the wrong number in a WhatsApp message.
• WhatsApp Follow-up, schedules cadence reminders automatically so your reps execute the 7-Touch sequence without tracking it manually.
• Pipeline Management, shows Rohit which leads are at Day 4 vs Day 14 vs beyond 30 days, so he knows where to intervene.

For the complete picture on solar proposal structure, visit the solar proposal example India page and the best practices guide.

What to do this week

1. Save all 7 cadence templates in WhatsApp Business quick replies, /d1, /d2, /d4, /d7, /d14, /d21, /d30. Customise the [Placeholders] with your EPC name, typical system sizes, and your standard subsidy amounts.
2. Audit your current lead list, identify every lead that hasn't received a follow-up in more than 7 days. Send them the Day 7 social-proof template today with a recent installation photo. You'll likely re-engage 20–30% of those conversations.
3. Set up WhatsApp Business away message, include a link to your proposal generator or your website's contact form so night-time inquiries get an immediate response with a path to a quote.

Frequently asked questions

How many WhatsApp follow-up messages should I send to a solar lead?

The 7-Touch WhatsApp Follow-up Cadence recommends 7 touches spread over 30 days, Day 1 (first contact), Day 2 (proposal), Day 4 (check-in), Day 7 (social proof), Day 14 (urgency), Day 21 (last attempt), and Day 30 (warm stay-in-touch). After 30 days with no response, move to a monthly newsletter-style contact rather than active sales follow-up. Most solar deals in India that close within 60 days make their decision between Day 7 and Day 21.

Are WhatsApp templates allowed for business use in India?

Yes. WhatsApp Business App allows quick-reply templates for inbound conversations at no cost. The WhatsApp Business API allows pre-approved outbound template messages under Meta's guidelines, following the Ministry of Electronics and IT digital communication guidelines. The key requirement: for the API, recipients must have opted in to receive messages from your business. Personal WhatsApp bulk messaging violates Meta's Terms of Service.

What is the best time to send solar follow-up messages on WhatsApp?

For residential solar leads, 7–9 pm on weekdays gets the best response rates, people are home, relaxed, and on their phones. For commercial leads (offices, factories), 10–11 am or 3–5 pm on weekdays works better. Avoid Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings, response rates drop significantly. Always avoid sending before 8 am or after 9 pm per the TRAI unsolicited commercial communication guidelines.

Should I use Hindi or English in WhatsApp solar templates?

Use the language your customer is most comfortable in, and follow their lead from the first message. If a customer replies in Hindi, switch to Hindi for subsequent messages. Template 1A and 2A above can be translated directly to Hindi, the structure and key numbers stay the same. Many EPCs keep parallel English and Hindi versions of their quick-reply templates in WhatsApp Business.

How do I handle a customer who says the price is too high?

Use Template OBJ-1, immediately reframe around the net cost after PM Surya Ghar subsidy, then introduce the EMI option. The key is showing the actual out-of-pocket number (₹1–1.5 L after subsidy on a 3 kW system) rather than the gross system cost. See the cost breakdown for solar installation for the full breakdown to include.

Can I automate the 7-Touch Cadence?

Yes. The WhatsApp Business API supports automated template messages triggered by time delays. Tools like Wati, Interakt, or Gupshup allow you to set up a Day 1 → Day 2 → Day 4 → Day 7 automation flow. QuickEstimate's WhatsApp Follow-up feature handles the reminder scheduling, your rep still sends manually, but the app tells them exactly when and what to send.

What should my WhatsApp profile look like for solar sales?

Use WhatsApp Business (not personal). Profile photo: your EPC logo or a professional team photo at an installation site. Business name: your registered trade name. Description: 2–3 sentences on your services, cities covered, and PM Surya Ghar registration status. Add your GSTIN in the description for commercial buyer credibility. Link your website or QuickEstimate proposal page.