First Meeting · · 6 min read
“Which Panel Will You Use?” Answer Instantly by Adding Your Own Panels in SolarDraft
Informed customers ask about panel brand, wattage and technology. If your design tool doesn’t have your panel, you can’t give a real answer.
This article is part of our series How to Close Solar Deals in the First Meeting. It covers one of the most common challenges Indian EPCs face — and how a 3D SolarDraft workflow with SolarDraft helps you solve it before the meeting ends.
The challenge
Customers have researched online. They ask about bifacial vs mono PERC, 540 W vs 580 W, and ALMM-listed brands. Your answer affects trust and price.
Many tools force you to wait for the vendor to add a new module to their database.
Why it happens
- New panel models launch constantly.
- EPCs switch suppliers based on availability.
- Design databases lag behind the market.
- Customers compare options.
What it costs your EPC
If you design with the “closest available” panel, your capacity and generation numbers won’t match what you install.
How SolarDraft solves it in the first meeting
SolarDraft lets you add your own panels directly. Design with the exact module you’ll install and show the customer the layout and energy output for different options.
- Add your own panels directly.
- One-click panel fill with any module.
- Energy report per option.
- Proposal builder to present choices.
First-meeting playbook: 5 steps
- Add your stocked panel models to SolarDraft in advance.
- Design with the recommended panel.
- Switch to an alternative if the customer asks.
- Compare capacity and generation side by side.
- Put the chosen option in the proposal.
Keep 2–3 panel options ready: a value option, a recommended option and a premium option.
Solar draft vs traditional first meeting
| Traditional first meeting | With a SolarDraft 3D solar draft | |
|---|---|---|
| What the customer sees | Brochure & price list | Their own roof in 3D |
| Energy estimate | Rule of thumb | Energy report with losses |
| Proposal | Sent 2–3 days later | Built in the meeting |
| Absent decision makers | Hear it second-hand | Open the 3D link |
| Typical outcome | “Let me think about it” | Decision today |
Related reading
- The complete first-meeting playbook for solar EPCs
- Manual Solar Estimates Cause Rework: Get It Right in the First Meeting with SolarDraft
- Show Multiple Solar Layout Options Live and Close in the First Meeting with SolarDraft
- Best solar design software in India (2026)
Try it yourself
See your next customer's roof in 3D — in the first meeting.
SolarDraft is solar draft software for Indian EPCs, from ₹20,000 per year + 18% GST with training included.
Visit SolarDraft.org →Frequently asked questions
Can I add my own panel models to SolarDraft?
Yes, directly — no waiting for a vendor database update.
Should I offer panel options?
Offering two or three options helps customers choose instead of delaying.
Does PM Surya Ghar require specific panels?
Yes — ALMM-listed modules are required for subsidy. Check the current list.