As global demand for renewable energy surges, solar companies are increasingly looking to establish a presence in the European Union, a market ripe with opportunity, incentives, and innovation. Yet, entering the EU can feel like navigating a complex regulatory maze, especially for non-European firms. That’s where Ireland comes in.
In recent years, Ireland has emerged as a strategic entry point for solar companies seeking to expand into the European market. With its business-friendly environment, access to EU markets, robust renewable energy policies, competitive tax structure, and educated workforce, Ireland offers the perfect launchpad for solar PV developers aiming to tap into Europe’s booming green energy transition.
According to EEA estimates, the share of renewable energy has grown from 10% in 2005 to an estimated 24% of the EU’s gross final energy consumption by 2023. Solar panels on rooftops, electric cars, and wind turbines on the horizon are becoming quite common and are becoming ordinary sights across Europe. Yet, fossil fuels remain the largest source of energy.
At Nathan Trust, we’ve had the privilege of guiding leading solar companies through their Irish company registration and European market entry journeys. Two notable success stories include Sunbird Solar Solutions and Phelan Energy Group, which have effectively established and expanded their operations across Europe with our support.In this article, we will go through the key challenges solar companies face in expanding their operations in Europe and how we helped such Solar PV companies in their company registration and back office operations.
Nathan Trust partnered with a fast-growing South Africa-based renewable energy company specialising in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The company designs, supplies, and installs solar power solutions for a range of sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural clients. They focused on delivering large-scale solar and renewable energy infrastructure.
When the leading renewable energy Solar PV developer first engaged with Nathan Trust, they faced several critical challenges on their path to entering the Irish and broader EU market, such as:
Navigating the complex EU regulatory landscape surrounding renewable energy infrastructure and solar development.
Establishing a corporate structure in Ireland that would optimise their tax position while ensuring full legal and operational compliance.
Accessing Ireland’s renewable energy talent pool, including engineers and technical specialists critical to their local operations.
Understanding Irish compliance obligations specific to solar energy providers, including reporting, tax, and ownership disclosures.
Finding a reliable company incorporation and accounting specialist whom they can trust and build a long-term partnership with.
Our team understood their challenges and provided a comprehensive suite of services to support their entry into the Irish market and facilitate future expansion across the EU.
Company Incorporation & Structuring
Incorporated an Irish Private Limited Company tailored to meet their strategic objectives. Here is our step by step by step guide on how to register a company in Ireland if you want to read.
Completed all statutory requirements, including preliminary name check, Form A1 submission, Constitution preparation, and drafting of key corporate documents such as board meeting minutes and share certificates.
Ensured full compliance with Companies Registration Office (CRO) requirements and provided a company seal for formal business operations.
Registered Office & Company Secretarial Services
Provided a registered office address in Ireland to establish a credible local presence.
Delivered ongoing Company Secretarial services, including the maintenance of the statutory register of members, directors, and secretaries.
Supported corporate governance by preparing the board and AGM minutes.
Annual Compliance & Statutory Reporting
Managed the preparation and timely filing of the Annual Return with the CRO.
Facilitated the formal approval of financial statements and ensured the client remained compliant with Irish company law.
Banking & Tax Setup
Assisted in setting up an Irish corporate bank account, coordinating directly with financial institutions to meet KYC and AML requirements.
Registered the company for Corporation Tax and VAT with Revenue, ensuring readiness for trading and invoicing within the EU.
Beneficial Ownership Compliance
Prepared and filed the Beneficial Ownership Register with the Central Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO), meeting all local transparency obligations.
Administrative and Outlay Support
Managed CRO filing fees, bank account setup expenses, and other administrative outlays to ensure a smooth and cost-effective establishment process.
The company was incorporated in September 2022 with its registered office located at Penrose Dock, Cork. Currently, the company is involved in specialised activities related to renewable energy projects in Pan EU. To support their growing operations, the company is actively recruiting for various positions across Europe.
For solar companies considering European expansion, understanding current market trends is essential.
Our market analysis reveals several important developments:
The European Green Deal and REPowerEU initiatives have dramatically accelerated renewable energy targets across the EU. Key policy developments include:
Increased national targets for solar energy deployment and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
Streamlined permitting processes for renewable projects
Enhanced financial incentives for solar adoption
Growing corporate renewable procurement programmes
While utility-scale solar continues to expand, we’re seeing exceptional growth in:
Commercial and industrial rooftop solar systems
Agrivoltaics (combining agriculture with solar generation). Learn more about Agrivoltaics here.
Integration of energy storage solutions with solar photovoltaic (PV) system installations
Community solar programmes and energy sharing schemes
Companies entering the EU market must adapt to European technical preferences:
Higher efficiency requirements due to space constraints
Emphasis on aesthetics, particularly for residential applications
Growing demand for integrated storage solutions
Preference for locally manufactured components
Successful market entry often requires:
Strategic partnerships with established European contractors
Relationships with EU-focused renewable energy funds
Understanding of country-specific project financing structures
Adaptation to European PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) models
Based on our experience supporting companies like Sunbird Solar Solutions and Phelan Energy Group, we’ve identified several common challenges and proven strategies to overcome them:
The EU regulatory environment is complex, with both Union-wide directives and country-specific implementation.
Solution:
Work with experienced advisors who understand both EU-level regulations and national interpretations
Prioritise markets with stable regulatory frameworks for initial entry
Develop a compliance matrix for each target market
Establish relationships with local industry associations
Despite the common market, significant differences exist between European countries.
Solution:
Begin with a focused approach targeting 1-2 key markets
Use Ireland as a base while building market-specific strategies
Develop adaptable product offerings that can be customised for local markets
Create a centralised knowledge management system to capture market insights
Many European markets feature established local solar companies with strong customer relationships.
Solution:
Identify specific competitive advantages your company brings to the market
Consider partnership or acquisition strategies for rapid market entry
Focus on underserved market segments or specialised applications
Emphasise technological innovation and performance advantages
Managing operations across multiple European countries presents logistical challenges.
Solution:
Establish a centralised European headquarters in Ireland for strategic functions
Develop country-specific operational plans with local teams
Implement standardised processes while allowing for necessary customisation
Leverage technology for efficient cross-border project management
Being asked to establish an EU entity might seem like a regulatory hurdle, but with the right approach, it’s a gateway to unlocking new markets, improving operational efficiency, and building stronger client relationships across Europe.
At Nathan Trust, we turn that challenge into an opportunity.
We specialise in helping solar and renewable energy companies seamlessly set up and scale within the EU, starting with Ireland, one of the most business-friendly jurisdictions in Europe. With proven experience supporting leading Solar PV developers, we understand the complexities of the energy sector and provide the strategic and operational support you need to succeed.
Here’s how we help you establish and grow your EU presence:
From company formation to operational establishment
Ongoing compliance and accounting services
Continued support as your European operations expand
Proactive advisory on emerging opportunities and challenges
Advisory on People solutions and payroll establishments
If you’re considering entering the European solar market through Ireland, Nathan Trust is ready to support your journey. Whether you're a solar startup or a seasoned developer, choosing Ireland as your European base can accelerate market entry, enhance operational efficiency, and unlock long-term growth.
Our experienced team can guide you through every step of the process, from initial company registration to full-scale accounting and tax operations. Start your journey to European solar success - get in touch with us today and power your expansion with confidence.