About Montante Solar | Commercial & Industrial Solar Energy

About Us

Montante Solar is a full-service developer and installer of commercial and industrial solar energy systems. We are a trusted, single source for companies, municipalities and not-for-profits looking to advance sustainable operations. Our engineering and project management teams work with each client to deliver customized solar solutions that provide an optimal return on investment. Whether you’re a business that is ready to solarize its operations, or a developer seeking a large-scale solar construction partner, Montante Solar is your power partner. We make going solar simple.

Company History

Montante Solar, headquartered in Buffalo, NY, was founded in 2009 by Daniel Montante and Matthew Montante. Initially focused on building commercial rooftop solar projects, Montante Solar was soon developing and constructing the region’s largest and most innovative solar sites. Today the company is active in delivering clients a portfolio of clean energy solutions that are optimized for their unique siting and budget requirements, while maximizing the benefits of a clean, reliable power source.

Montante Solar is an affiliate of Montante Group. Learn more about Montante Group and how it delivers world-class real estate development, construction and solar installation services here.

Our Team

Daniel Montante

Co-Founder & President

 

  • Oversees company operations and strategy
  • Former Director of Mergers & Acquisitions – Greater China at DuPont
  • President of New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA)
  • Board of Directors of Artpark & Company, Inc., Torn Space Theater, and Arts Service Initiative of WNY
  • B.S. in Business Administration, Skidmore College
  • M.B.A., Wake Forest University

Matthew Montante

Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer

 

  • COO of the Montante Group
  • Oversees operations for Montante Solar, Montante Construction, and TM Montante Development
  • 15+ years of experience in real estate and solar development
  • Co-founder of Montante Solar and Montante Construction
  • Led Montante Solar in service and geographic expansions
  • B.A., Skidmore College

Steven Erck

Vice President

 

  • Oversees all aspects of project delivery, pre-construction through closeout
  • Oversees team of Project Managers, Superintendents and Electricians
  • Montante Group Safety Committee Lead
  • Successfully managed over $200MM worth of projects
  • NYSDEC E&SC Trained Contractor
  • B.S. in Business Administration, SUNY at Buffalo

Katie Soscia

Director, Solar Development

 

  • Leads customer engagement, RFP response and contract negotiation
  • Overseen installation of more than 8MW of solar systems in NYS
  • Certified Daily Storm Water Pollution Protection Plan Inspector
  • Expert in complex commercial and industrial solar installation
  • B.A. in Broadcasting and Mass Communication, SUNY Oswego
  • B.S. in Business Administration, SUNY Oswego

Joshua Gillebaard, P.E.

Director of Engineering

 

  • Oversees electrical design, photovoltaic systems, monitoring and maintenance of systems
  • Extensive experience in network expansion and green energy integration
  • Avian Resource Manager with New York National Guard
  • NABCEP Certified
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, SUNY at Buffalo

Jessica Fuchs

Senior Project Manager

 

  • Responsible for overall project success, from initiation to closure
  • SWPP Certification
  • Licensed HVAC and Light Commercial Contractor, City of Buffalo
  • Committee chairperson of NeighborWorks – Buffalo
  • B.A. in Mathematics, SUNY at Buffalo
  • M.A. in Structural Engineering, SUNY at Buffalo

Zoë Knauss

Business Development Manager

 

  • Leads preconstruction activities, including securing incentives and managing client communications for large-scale solar projects
  • Focuses on land development, identifying brownfield opportunities for ground-mount solar expansion using DEC and EPA data
  • B.A. in Environmental Science, Bates College

Mari Zillgitt

Superintendent

 

  • Oversees Montante Solar projects from design to completion, supporting material procurement, solar array construction, and subcontractor management
  • Collaborates with team members to implement and maintain project safety plans
  • Works closely with the field team to ensure smooth operations throughout all project phases
  • B.S. in Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo.

Josiah Consiglio

Solar Asset Manager

 

  • Oversees solar assets, monitoring energy production, billing, and performing electrical repairs and troubleshooting
  • Ensures safety and performance through electrical testing, maintenance plans, and inspections
  • Instructs on electrical safety, PPE, and best practices in the field
  • Supports Montante Solar’s P-Tech partnership, training students in solar construction and maintenance

Carmen Reale

Controller

 

  • Leads Montante Solar’s financial operations, focusing on strategic budgeting, P&L management, and financial transactions
  • Oversees insurance and bonding management to maintain risk mitigation practices and support growth
  • Collaborates with project managers to ensure projects remain on budget and aligned with financial goals
  • B.S. in Accounting, Rochester Institute of Technology

Proud to be Part of the Montante Group

Montante Solar is proud to be part of the Montante Group family of companies. This group, including TM Montante Development, Montante Construction and Montante Solar, often works in tandem to create seamless experiences for our customers. Though each company works on independent projects, our customers benefit from the broad range of in-house expertise generated from our cooperative business model.