johnnyboy

Thanks T, Insurance Juridique does not cover solar water panels or PV panels. The reason given to us was that in the beginning there were so many cowboy outfits involved in the installation side of things which then disappeared overnight, that they refused to give cover in this instance. There is a catch phrase in the exclusions that covers this type of installation. As for learning on the job, although I have an engineering background through the aircraft industry I do not claim to be any kind of expert on heating/solar systems. I do however read and digest any info I can find, the latest being why are the middle and lower temp sensors in the hot water tank in the same pocket? Which I noticed this morning! Looking at the info I have, it suggests to me that the lower sensor should be alongside the pipes going into the tank from the solar system. As for the panels being blocked, it is caused by the glycol seperating into its constituent parts, water and sugars (brown to black in colour) and the sugars sticking to the inside of the system. A process termed "Candification" , this should be cleaned out by the fluid added recently apparently. Hope this is correct, as the pipes in the panels are only (10mm) dia. This info came from a very helpful guy at Worcester Bosch in the UK, as Buderus france just kept giving us the run-around and saying that we should speak to the installer! The workmen have just arrived as I write, will update with any news later. Johnnyboy

One other thing came to mind this morning, we have "Juridique" cover under our insurance. So the idea from UFC was good, ie, contacting insurance to get an expert to examine and advise on the problem. However, on contacting them we find that there is no cover for Solar Panels or PV panels due to so many cowboy outfits who installed systems then disappeared overnight apparently. No mention of this in the pamphlet as far as we can see, have booked an appointment with the bank manager who sold us the policy (16th Jan) to try and find out any further info. So we are left trying to find someone who could inspect/advise ourselves, anyone have any ideas on where please? Johnnyboy

Another update! Well it appears that our solar water heating panels are blocked with a Tar - like substance, the Air Purge Valve was brought down for inspection first, which is where I saw this substance. After 3 days the Marx brothers had determined that it is the panels themselves that are blocked, not the pipework in the system. They then put in a fluid on recommendation from the manufacturers, to try and clear the system. That was over three weeks ago and no idea other than a vague "we'll return in early January" of what they propose next. Have been in touch with UFC Que Choisir over this matter and to date they have been helpful, but still no definitive result. At least its comforting to know that they are aware of entreprises such as this one and are prepared to help to try and get a result on our behalf. The Expansion Tank was found to have a leak on the air side of the diaphragm, which seems the most likely cause of poor circulation in the first place and consequent dumping of fluid overboard via the PRV. Also , Mr D**khead has informed us of the need to replace the fluid every 3-4 years, not very helpful as he filled the system originally over 5 years ago and never mentioned before! Anyone know if this is a requirement, as the only info I've located on the web, is to check the fluid every 2-3 years for the anti-gel content? More will follow, if and when anything happens. Johnnyboy

Hi Peeps, Just a small update on our little saga. The bozo's came back last week and after a minor flood in the atelier ( no drain valve fitted to system, so drained by loosening the lowest connection!). They then proceeded to try and flush the system with fresh water, the only problem being that there was no flow around the system. Several hours later after flushing all the pipes successfully, we now find that the panels themselves are blocked. I had worked that out for myself, when they showed me the air bleed valve at the top of the system was gummed up with a blck substance (boiled fluid)! They then cleaned up and left , himself saying that he will contact Buderus, reference cleaning out the panels. I for one think that this will be impossible due to the viscosity of the gummy substance. I stand to be corrected, but I don't think we will be seeing any further movement on this before the new year now. Which is a shame, as here in Limousin at the moment we have bright sunshine and 7.0 degrees, the temperature at the sensor on the roof showing 117 degrees C. Will update further if and when!! Johnnyboy

Many thanks for all the interesting replies, much food for thought! Had a quote recently to fit an immersion heater in the existing ballon which came out at €1,400 approx, was thinking of going down that route until I got the devis. As for the solar panels, I've just been informed by one of the guys that they think the collector panels themselves are blocked. Deep joy. No wonder the system has not performed. We had another entreprise come and do some troubleshooting and they confirmed that the expansion tank had a leak on the air side of the diaphragm and that as it was around the visual indicator, it may well have been there for a long time. That would explain why we had to get Mr D**khead back at least once a year to top up the fluid, always leaving saying that "toute marche bien". I begged to differ, but was made to feel as if it was me that was not quite right! He only came back yesterday after receiving the letter from us and "Que Choisir" to look at the problem. He last came 8 weeks ago, topped up the system and left saying he'd be back in a couple of days! I await further news with trepidataion. Johnnyboy

Hi all, Just a quick question on the subject of hot water, we currently use about €70 per month to heat just water by oil fired boiler system. Would it be any cheaper to heat by electric immersion heater. Just for background info, normally just the two of us here and water used for washing, showering and washing pots and pans etc. Currently have the plombier here trying to fix our solar water panels, which he has always insisted are working as advertised! Not as of this moment though, as there seems to be a blockage up at the panels. Would be good to get any comparisons of people in similar circumstances for usage/cost. Many thanks in advance, Johnnyboy.

Took your advice Martin and gave the noisette a good haircut, much to the chagrin of our neighbour. Funny how the locals seem to think of your house as still theirs, even after pocketing your hard -earned! She was more worried about the possible lack of nuts, my worry was all the TV and satelite kit not working as advertised. Still a small amount of pixelation going on earlier, not due to weather I would have thought. Must check the skew and orientation again, but maybe give it a few days yet. Johnnyboy.

Update: have just switched on and am currently receiving all the channels you mentioned Martin. Not sure if the quality of channel 4HD is any better than SD transmissions though. Johnnyboy

Hi All, We're in the haute Vienne close to La Souterraine and currently have a Humax box and an 80cm dish. Reception is usually very good, HD being possible most of the time with the channels that supply it. Have not looked at the reception figures for ages, but will try and do so in the near future. Last night was different though, very heavy rain and so we were unable to watch programmes being broadcast, had to make do with catching up with the 75% or so of recordings! Mind you, possibly the Noisette has crept up again to interfere with the signal, just another job on the impossibly long list, note to self (how on earth did I ever have time to go to work?). Have found that even medium amount of rain can affect the signal sometimes, would this be an indication of the alignment requiring correction and/or a slightly larger dish? Best regards, Johnnyboy

For further info, wifely phoned EDF whilst I was away on a fishing trip and I can confirm what Q has said about them not having partner companies. They have not called back anyway (Group Energie Universel) ,but we are prepared if they should deign to! The original phone call seemed to be from EDF, but their name crept in at the end, so be warned. Thanks again for the heads up Q!! Johnnyboy.

Ok to that and thanks very much for the info. Will get the memsahb to answer and give them a full broadside! Johnnyboy.

Thanks Q, have had a look at the EDF website and cannot find the deal mentioned. Did however look at Group Energie Universel, who were mentioned in the call and found some not too favourable comments! ( If my limited ability in reading french is not mistaken!!) Will be on my guard if they do contact us. Johnnyboy

Hi All, Just had a call from EDF about a new  offer from them. This means having PV panels on your roof, but they would fund the installation and we would get between €2-3,000 per annum. Presumably this would be a form of rental for the space occupied. There would also be an eco grant available of up to €700 from the government in order to fit a ballon with an Immersion heater. Almost sounds to good to be true to an old sceptic like myself! Anyone else had this offer and also has anyone had sight of the contract involved? My questions are what are the legal complexities and how long does the contract last for, also is it able to be transferred to a new owner in the unfortunate event of having to sell for any reason. It would be a definite plus I guess if it were transferable. So, any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated and of course I will update as soon as I get any info from the rep, once they contact me for the survey. Johnnyboy.

Yep, had a similar one this morning, Case 984QVR87664Q4HNV From "companies house", needless to say it went straight into the junk file! Johnnyboy

Ah, maybe there is a different code for someone who is covered under the S1, but not receiving their OAP yet( old system of E121)? Is there someone out there who could clarify that point if they are in that situation? I've just confirmed that my code on Amelie is 70 as well BTW. Johnnyboy Just remembered to add, that I had given a copy of our S1 in with our Tax return initially, but they had still managed to get it wrong by not ticking a box! JB

My wife has a small investment in an e-bond and the CSG is levied against the interest on that. No way out of that one as investments are treated slightly differently than income tax from other sources. So the rate of 15.5% is applied on that only. Will not be much of a problem in the next tax year as she did not get it transferred to another investment in time, so the interest being given will be about the same as the tax due this year. A summary lesson in keeping tabs on where your money is invested for the best return! Johnnyboy.

Well a result for us by going to the office this morning. Spoke with a guy and he found that they had not ticked a box on our return, which resulted in them demanding €937 CSG! On ticking the box, the demand was reduced to €96 whilst we waited. Result!! He also explained that its not purely the form S1 which is required, but that from now on it will be the "Attestation de Droits a l'assurance maladie" from the local CPAM. With that attached to the Tax Return, all should be in order in future. He also confirmed that the OAP will be considered for tax in France, not the UK. However, as we are still below the tax threshold in France, there is no income tax to pay. All in all a worthwhile trip to Bellac this sunny morning. Also, for info, for anyone who uses the tax office in Bellac, there is a local CPAM office just around the corner from the tax office where you can get a copy of your Attestation de droits, but it is not open all the time apparently. (Ours usually comes from Limoges, but have not received it yet) Hope this is useful to other peeps who use that office. Johnnyboy.

Many thanks for that JB, just off to Bellac office to do battle now. Will update any result asap! Johnnyboy.

Good afternoon all, Couple of questions arising for me reference this thread, 1) If you are over the state pension age and in receipt of S1 cover, is any of your income liable to CSG/CRDS? ( On another thread about tax this is implied) 2) We have a small income from a UK rental property, plus my OAP and Army pensions, which have had tax deducted in the UK. Would we be liable to pay CSG/CRDS on any of these? Many thanks in advance, Johnnyboy

Damn, just bought a couple from our local Leclerc at €4.00 each !!! Always did think it was just a cynical money - making exercise in reality. Our neighbour said a similar thing happened with the Hi Viz vests, €1.00 each at first, then after the usual hiatus of supply problems they reappeared with a huge mark-up! At least they are useful though! Oh well, Will have to write that one off to experience then. Johnnyboy.

BTW, you can also reset your livebox by opening the livebox tab in the Orange window if the 198.162.1.1 method does not work. We only found out about this today when the technician came to investigate our system! Only cost us €110.00 to get that info because he could not find any fault, having been without phone/internet since last thursday. Shame the helpline did not tell us about that as we now are fighting to get some compensation. Grrrrr Johnnyboy

Not sure about straight on when exiting the Rouen tunnel,lots of lights on that stretch. Also when we travelled back here on thursday,there was a huge queue on that part of the road. We think caused by some sort of blockade,did manage to turn at one of the lights and head back to get onto the airport road, then turn immediate right onto the road down to Pont De L'arche. Sailed along after that! Lots of queues at the service stations around Rouen too. One place that we filled up at, was the 24 hour station near Nonancourt. Although they did have a €30 limit. Not much in way of queues there though at least.:) Not too bad here in Limousin at the moment for supplies. Any station on autoroutes seemed to have queues, if they had fuel and those that didn't had zeros on fuel signs we think. Hope this is of use to those travelling at the moment or near future. Best regards, Johnnyboy  

Hi there, just spotted this post and would like to add our experience to the topic. My wife and I were made redundant in April last year from the same company, this has had a serious effect on our circumstances. First we had to sell our UK property at the bottom of the market. Ouch! We went through all the systems to retire here in France, albeit earlier than intended. Imagine how pleased we were to find that due to the timing of our dismissal, we stand to lose just over 14 months from our E106 cover and will have to cover the gap through private health cover or take a chance and not pay insurance. The point of this little diatribe is that it pays to plan the move carefully if at all possible. The loss wqs caused by not having paid enough in contributions in that tax year, so effectively not paying a couple of months contributions has lost us 14 months of cover. Yes, we did offer to pay the relevant contributions, but this was refused by NI office as "not allowable". Do try to plan to avoid this if possible. Hope this is of some use to you, assuming you need to follow this route and not going staight on to an E121. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do in spite of  our slight hiccup! Best regards, Johnnyboy.(Slightly disgruntled)

We also used Milen Light Haulage on several occasions and can only agree that the service was always excellent. Thoroughly recommend. Johnnyboy

The lady in the office at Limoges speaks very good english as does the lady at Gueret. Johnnyboy