nverona

We have been approached by two companies wanting to install Photo Voltaic panels to the roof of one of our barns.

These two were rejected as they wanted us to take out a 20,000€ loan to pay for the installation. At 67 I don't need that. Anyway, I smelt a rat as the second one came back and said the bank wouldn't do it over 20 years (due to my age) but would over 15. The figures stayed the same. The idea is that the money we get from EDF will pay for the loan and leave us with about 1500€ pa.

Now we've been approached by a company called NEAX who say they fund the install and take the tax credit plus 4000€ pa leaving us with 2000€ and these payments last 9 years. After this the income is 100% ours. The system is guaranteed for 20 years.

So far so good. They got some papers signed and went of to get all the permissions.

Yesterday the office phoned and said they would be installing the system next week.

So, my question is 1) has anyone had this company install panels and 2) we have not had any contracts so would you allow them to instal.

The rep says the contracts will come from EDF in time.

Thanks.

ps, if you hadn't realised this in France.

Tweedpipe

Whether it be companies who call on you proposing roof-cleaning, double-glazing and especially solar panels, the best possible advise is not just to walk away, but run - quickly! If you let the great majority of these cowboys start any work, you will regret it for many years to come.
If you really need, or want solar panels installed, do your homework well. Ask neighbours, friends who may have had similar tasks performed, who they can honestly recommend. Then visit several companies, and get written, detailed quotations. Those who promise an immediate 'reduction' if you sign then & there (or within a given number of days), walk away. That's not how to conduct honest business.
Final golden rule. Never, EVER let any work commence or part with any money before having received a detailed written contract. And make sure you understand exactly what you are signing up to. And even if you have found the perfect company to perform the work, never pay until it has been completed, and shown to function correctly.
Forums are full of folks who have been taken in by cowboy solar 'specialists', who have had equipment delivered, tiles pulled-off to commence work (paid full amount requested), and then heard nothing more!
HERE are just a few of many cries of help from folks who have been arnaqued!
HERE
I suggest you spend a long time reading over THIS forum. The internet is full of similar forums.

grannybunz

Tweedpipe is correct - run!!!

Because we live in a regional park and a plus beau village we are not permitted solar panels on the roof only in a walled garden or agricultural land on the ground and away from the road.

None the less we are constantly bombarded with "offers" by various companies, some of whom try to tell us that it is still possible and they will see to the paperwork - a lie.

If we then point out that being both over 70 we would never ever get our money back they still insist that "arrangement could be made".

Don't fall for it - tell them quite frimly you never ever deal with cold callers and if you were really interested in solar you would do your own research, then contact companies selected by you.

nverona

They're not asking for any money. They are saying they will be paid by charging 4000€ pa out of an estimated 6000€ pa. The period is 9 years.

I'll ask the rep one mre time for contracts, which he says are with EDF, and if nothing forthcoming, I'll cancel.

ed to add that they say there's a one year rest to start so the firts years isn't due until after we get the first EDF cheque.

Tweedpipe

Even if the contract, installation etc is eventually completed in a professional fashion, that doesn't mean you worries are over.
Another interesting link. (Note particularly the 2nd & 3rd paragraphs). Forewarned is forearmed.
I wish you tres, TRES bonne chance......:

bigglesworth

I wish you luck, but I have always followed one guiding principle in my life...



There is no such thing as a free lunch.

Chatter Static

Trust me you will get a bill after the first year as solar panel rarely pay for themselves and their lifespan is usually a tad over optimistic as the quantity of generated electricity actually diminishes each year as the panel degrades, Sign nothing and don't let them on the property solar panels is one of largest scams in this country. Don't get me wrong solar panels are ok but you would safer getting your drive tarmac'ed here I would only use a recommend local company of which you will find there are plenty.

Have you seen any of the authorisation paperwork from the Mairie ?

dmu

Hi,
I'm just a little worried that YOU've signed some papers, and wonder what undertakings you've made by doing so. I believe one has a week to terminate such Contracts by LRAR (Registered Letter with Acknowledgement Card) and I'd recommend to do this ASAP, otherwise you're in for several anxious years....
If you want solar panels, choose a local firm with a good reputation, not a company touting around.

nverona

DMU, I know what you mean but if I refuse to allow them to install there's not much they can do. He told me the docs were so he could do the checks he needed to do. This seems to be a reputable company. I phoned the office and explained I hadn't seen the contracts and the lady I was talking to couldn't understand how I hadn't got them. She said to leave it with her.

An hour later the rep rings and asks if he can pop in at 7pm to show me the contracts. The contracts he said were with EDF earlier this morning.

I'll probably cancel the instal unless he can convince me that it's exactly as he said.

dmu

You'll be studying the "contracts" at the time of writing, but I won't have time to post later.
Out of interest, I googled NEAX and one of the results was the following:
http://forum.lesarnaques.com/vente-d...13360-100.html
which can be added to TP's above links to make you more aware.
It depends on what was written in the papers that you've already signed, as to whether you can refuse to let them start installing.... Check this evening's "contracts" very carefully before you sign them. One pertinent French maxim is "Ignorance of the law is no excuse" and the universal "caveat emptor" also springs to mind.
Méfiance!!

Chatter Static

At this stage what documents have you signed if any? "reputable" is a pretty loose word and a matter of perspective can change everything.

You said you had been approached by the companies this always rings alarm bells in my book. Do you really think those salesmen are looking out for your interests?

Tweedpipe

It sounds as if you are a very trustworthy person, and therefore to these door to door salesmen, a gift from heaven. It's for this reason that all the alarm bells are ringing. LOUDLY!

That salesman you have agreed to let in and talk to again will, believe me, even convince you that France will win the World Cup - with ease! Especially after last night.
Even if he convinces you that you have nothing to pay them, as C.S rightly points out, you will receive bills, and the installation company will continue to draw large sums of money from the contract they have arranged with EDF. For them, and them only, it's a win-win situation.
I do hope you haven't signed anything. Can you assure us of that, and that you don't intend to?

Tweedpipe

DMU - an excellent find!

After reading that, anyone who agrees to dealing with that company definitely has an unhappy future ahead of them.
Don't sign anything. If contract recently signed, cancel it - and RUN!

nverona

I now have copies of the contract and will be seeing an Avocat at 16:00 tomorrow.

I think I'll cancel anyway as he said that they were financing and one of the contracts is in my name for finance.

I know I should know better and would never have signed this in the UK.

Anyway, I have until 23rd to cancel so will ask the solicitor to put it in writing.

Thanks all.

Chatter Static

Get the cancellation posted sharpish and don't forget it has to be "Lettre recommandee avec avis de réception".