Castillo Engineering Collaborates on 13 MW Landfill Solar Projects in New York

Castillo Engineering and Montante Solar's Renewable Energy Initiative

Castillo Engineering has secured a significant collaboration with Montante Solar to contribute to the development of landfill solar projects in Niagara, New York. This latest endeavor involves engineering and design services for two community solar projects, with an impressive combined capacity of 13 MW. Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2025, these projects reflect the growing trend of repurposing previously unusable sites for clean energy generation.

Steve Erck, Vice President at Montante Solar, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Castillo Engineering. He noted the critical role of Castillo Engineering's extensive expertise in multiple fields, facilitating a streamlined approach to optimize the project while safeguarding the sensitive infrastructure of the landfill cap.

Over the past five years, the evolution of landfill solar initiatives has seen an impressive 80% growth in the U.S., with New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey hosting over 70% of these utility-scale installations. Currently, these installations boast a cumulative capacity of around 2.4 GW. With an estimated 10,000 closed landfills across the nation, the opportunity for growth in landfill solar capacity is substantial, potentially expanding by a factor of 25.

These two projects not only contribute to this national shift towards landfill solar developments but also enhance New York’s position as the state with the most significant installed community solar capacity. This advancement supports New York's ambitious renewable energy goals, which include generating 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and achieving a zero-emissions electricity grid by 2040.

Christopher Castillo, CEO of Castillo Engineering, praised Montante Solar’s success in managing complex landfill solar projects while ensuring reliable returns. Castillo emphasized the importance of transforming these challenging terrains into affordable, clean energy sources that will benefit local communities for generations.

Castillo Engineering, established in 1998, has built a reputation as a leading design and engineering firm specializing in solar and energy storage solutions. With a portfolio of successfully completed projects exceeding 1,500, the firm has become a preferred choice for utility-scale solar engineering. Meanwhile, Montante Solar continues to be a pivotal player in the field, known for its comprehensive approach to solar project management, covering engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services.

Both firms are committed to advancing the solar industry, with Castillo Engineering licensed across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, aiming to foster a sustainable future through innovative energy solutions. As the landscape of energy generation continues to evolve, projects like those in Niagara represent a step forward in harnessing the potential of landfills for renewable energy initiatives.

Thus, with the collaborative efforts of Castillo Engineering and Montante Solar, the vision for a cleaner, sustainable energy future becomes increasingly tangible, encouraging further expansion across the nation’s landscapes.