  We report on the realization of a novel SiPM-based, cryogenic photosensor
with an active area of 24 cm$^2$ that operates as a single-channel analog
detector. The device is capable of single photon counting with a signal to
noise ratio better than 13, a dark rate lower than $10^{-2}$ cps/mm$^2$ and an
overall photon detection efficiency significantly larger than traditional
photomultiplier tubes. This development makes SiPM-based photosensors strong
candidates for the next generation of dark matter and neutrino detectors, which
will require multiple square meters of photosensitive area, low levels of
intrinsic radioactivity and a limited number of detector channels.
