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.

Picture an illustrative installer in Surat (not a real customer) whose team sends proposals and then goes quiet. Customers say "send me the quote" at the site survey, receive the PDF, and then the reps wait, for days, sometimes a week, before following up. Not because they don't want to. Because they don't know what to say next. A fixed cadence with ready templates removes that guesswork.

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: the installer who replies first usually gets the first real conversation.

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 customers take weeks to decide, so a warm check-in keeps you on top of mind.

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 about ₹[X] a 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 sharply and a home system may get a PM Surya Ghar subsidy of 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,

A home solar system can get a central subsidy under PM Surya Ghar, and the application is made on the national portal. The sooner the paperwork starts, the sooner your installation can be scheduled.

Want me to check your eligibility and help with the paperwork? No cost, takes about 20 minutes.

Under MNRE's CFA guidelines (clause 6(t), July 2025 version), the subsidy is processed within 15 days of approval by the DISCOM, after the DISCOM has inspected the system. 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.

Want to lock in your slot this week?

Template 14B, Price / equipment notice

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

Equipment prices have changed since I sent your quote (only say this if it is true for your supplier). 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. If price is the sticking point, our battle-tested scripts for the 'too expensive' objection walk through the exact phrasing to use, and SurgePV's word-for-word rebuttals for solar price objections offer another angle worth borrowing from.

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: the roof belongs to your landlord, so we would need the landlord's consent. 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 a solar system can cut your grid bill for many 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, if you want your system running before year-end, installation and DISCOM commissioning take time, so it helps to decide early. I can tell you the realistic timeline for [Area].

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. If you have a minute, an honest Google review helps other families find us. [Link]
2. If you know anyone exploring solar, please share my number: [Number]

Thank you for trusting us with your home!

Do not offer a voucher, discount or any gift in exchange for a review, and do not ask only happy customers. Google's Maps user-generated content policy (support.google.com/contributionpolicy/answer/7400114, checked 31 Oct 2026) bans incentives "such as payment, discounts, free goods and/or services" in exchange for a review. You may ask for a genuine review without an incentive. A referral thank-you (Template REF-1) is a separate matter, as long as it is not tied to a review.

Subsidy and Site Survey Templates

Two question types come up in nearly every residential chat and are not covered by the follow-up days above: "how much subsidy will I get" and "do I really need a site visit".

Subsidy slab and eligibility reply

{name} ji, the central subsidy under PM Surya Ghar depends on
system size. For your {kW} kW system it comes to Rs {subsidy amount},
paid to your bank account after commissioning. It is government
money, not a discount from us. Basic conditions: you own the house
and roof, the electricity connection is in your name, and you have
not taken a solar subsidy before. Share your bill and I can confirm
eligibility today.

Subsidy rules change, so check the current slabs on the PM Surya Ghar National Portal before you save this one, and put one person in charge of keeping it current. A template with an old figure does more harm than a slow reply.

Proposing the survey

{name} ji, to give you an exact price I need a quick look at your
roof. It takes 20 to 30 minutes and is free. Our engineer checks
shadow, roof strength and meter position. I have {day} at {time}
or {day} at {time} open in {area}. Which suits you?

Confirming a booked survey

Confirmed {name} ji. Our engineer {engineer name} will reach your
home on {day} at {time} and will call you 30 minutes before.
Please keep one recent electricity bill handy so we can size the
system on the spot.

Always offer two slots instead of asking "when are you free?". Two options force a decision, and an open question invites "I will tell you later". To keep the slot after it is booked, see our routine for confirming a solar site visit appointment on WhatsApp.

A Simple Check for Any Quick Reply: the 4R Pattern

Before you save a template, test it against four points: Respond to what the customer actually asked in the first line, Reassure with one trust marker only (years in business, a nearby installation, your MNRE registration), Reference one concrete number such as a price range, subsidy amount or monthly saving, and Request one next step, such as a bill photo or a survey slot. Messages that do only one of the four tend to get a polite "okay" and nothing more. One question per message works better than two.

Setting up quick replies in WhatsApp Business

In WhatsApp Business, open Settings, then Business Tools, then Quick Replies, and save each message with a shortcut such as /price1 or /survey2. The rep then types the shortcut in any chat and the full text appears. The app limits how many replies you can save, so keep the set small and prune it. Quick replies trade flexibility for speed, and the cost is that a template sent without reading the customer's message can land badly. The rule that fixes this is simple: the rep changes the name and at least one other placeholder before every send, and no message ever goes out with a placeholder such as {amount} still in it. If your leads write in Hindi or Gujarati, keep a regional-language version of your top templates with its own shortcut.

Quick replies are different from API message templates. Quick replies are typed by a rep during a live chat in the Business app. Message templates are pre-approved formats under the WhatsApp Business API, used for outbound messages to people who have not written to you in the last 24 hours. Most small installers only need quick replies until they send hundreds of outbound follow-ups a week.

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 reads as personal, a generic one does not. Quickest Solar CRM's Proposal Generator puts the customer's details and the PM Surya Ghar subsidy into the proposal PDF.

Sending at the wrong time. Homeowners are usually easier to reach in the evening and businesses during working hours. That is an assumption, not a measured rate, so note when your own leads reply and adjust.

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. If you're weighing whether it's worth the switch, this rundown of why WhatsApp Business beats a personal number for solar sales covers the credibility and automation gap in detail.

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 Quickest Solar CRM fits

The templates in this guide work best when the proposal is quick to produce rather than built by hand in Excel. In Quickest Solar CRM a rep can make an estimate on the mobile app, generate the proposal PDF with your logo and the PM Surya Ghar subsidy applied, and share the PDF on WhatsApp using Template 2A above.

You can also set follow-up reminders on each lead and save your message templates, so the rep sees when a follow-up is due and sends the saved message himself.

• Proposal Generator, creates the branded PDF your Day 2 template attaches, with the PM Surya Ghar subsidy applied in the proposal.
• WhatsApp Follow-up, lets you set follow-up reminders on each lead so your reps can run the 7-Touch sequence without tracking it in their heads.
• Pipeline Management, shows which leads sit in which stage, so you know 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.
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.

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 rules. The key requirement is opt-in: WhatsApp's Business Messaging Policy (last updated 23 Sep 2026) says you may only contact people who have given you their number and confirmed they want to receive messages from you.

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

There is no universal best time, so test it on your own leads. As a starting assumption, homeowners are easier to reach in the evening, when they are home and on their phones, and offices and factories during working hours. Avoid late nights and very early mornings, and keep to the time the customer said suits them. TRAI's commercial communication rules cover calls and SMS, and the 18 Sep 2026 amendment does not mention WhatsApp, but the courtesy is the same.

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 (gross cost minus the ₹78,000 subsidy that a 3 kW system gets) 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?

Partly. The WhatsApp Business API supports automated template messages, and tools like Wati, Interakt or Gupshup can run time-based flows, but recipients must have opted in. Quickest Solar CRM does not send messages for you: you set follow-up reminders on each lead (see WhatsApp Follow-up) and your rep sends the saved message himself.

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 Quickest Solar CRM proposal page.