The Simons Observatory (SO) is a ground-based cosmic microwave background (CMB) telescope that makes observations of the early Universe; these telescopes have traditionally been reliant on point of use diesel power generation, which is costly, logistically inefficient, results in a reduction of the sites power security and curtails the efficiency and uninterrupted longevity of the scientific data collected.

In 2023 Bespoke Project Solutions was selected to design Phase I of the ASO On-Site Renewable Energy Project; a 1MW solar array on the side of Cerro Toco, a beautiful volcano located 5190 meters above sea level in the Atacama Desert of Chile. We are currently under construction in Phase II of this project, set to be completed in 2026. This impressive array will power this incredible observatory; the world’s first green experimental cosmology telescope. This project will serve as an important case study for future large telescope and remote scientific research sites worldwide to establish and install renewable energy to power facilities and projects, and will have far reaching implications on energy security and operational efficiency for science.