CCPC Carries Out Searches At Solar Panel Businesses Amid Suspected Bid-Rigging Probe

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has confirmed it carried out searches of businesses active in the solar panel industry, as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected breaches of competition law involving potential bid-rigging.

In a statement issued on 25 September 2026, the CCPC said its Authorised Officers were supported by colleagues from An Garda Síochána's District Detective Units and local Gardaí during the operation.

The CCPC has the power to carry out unannounced searches of business premises and private homes with a search warrant issued by the District Court. These searches are commonly referred to as "dawn raids".

The CCPC is urging businesses and individuals who have evidence or information that may help the investigation to come forward. A confidential and anonymous information sharing website for whistleblowers is available at report.whistleb.com/en-GB/ccpc.

The CCPC also operates a Cartel Immunity Programme, in conjunction with the Director of Public Prosecutions, and an Administrative Leniency programme. Individuals may avoid criminal prosecution and get immunity from, or reductions in, fines if they reveal their involvement in illegal activity and fully cooperate with a CCPC investigation. Information can be shared in confidence with the cartels team by calling the Immunity and Leniency phoneline on 087 763 1378.

The CCPC is the statutory body responsible for the enforcement of competition law in Ireland, including investigating suspected cartel conduct such as bid-rigging, price fixing, market sharing and output restriction. Bid-rigging is a serious form of cartel conduct that occurs when businesses agree in advance how they will respond to a tender process, rather than competing independently. Such conduct may include agreeing who will win a contract, submitting cover bids, taking turns winning contracts or agreeing not to bid.

Úna Butler, Commission Member at the CCPC:

"Effective competition is essential to supporting a strong, resilient and growing Irish economy. When businesses compete fairly, it drives innovation, supports economic growth and helps ensure that businesses, public bodies and consumers get the best possible value for money.

While searches do not imply that any breach of competition law has occurred, the CCPC remains committed to fully investigating suspected bid-rigging to protect fair competition and consumers."

As this investigation is ongoing, the CCPC said it cannot provide any further comment at this time.