CCPC conducts searches on businesses involved in the solar panel industry

Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has conducted a series of searches on businesses involved in the solar panel industry.

The searches are part of an ongoing investigation into suspected breaches of competition law, including potential bid-rigging.

The CCPC say that 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.

Officers from the CCPC, alongside An Garda Síochána's District Detective Units, carried out the unannounced searches and were authorised to do so when a search warrant is issued by the District Court.

The CCPC also operates a cartel immunity programme, where individuals can avoid criminal prosecution and get immunity from fines if they reveal their involvement in criminal activity and fully cooperate.

Úna Butler, Commission Member at the CCPC, said:

“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 is an ongoing investigation, the CCPC says that it cannot provide any more information at this time.