Rivian R1T Owners Can Now Use Solar Power

Made to Harness Solar Power

Pickup beds are the perfect real estate for solar panels: flat, wide, and exposed to the elements. In fact, the idea of a solar-charging tonneau cover has been floating around for years. Automakers have toyed with it – Tesla even teased a solar tonneau for the Cybertruck before any hit the road.

So far, those factory-backed solutions haven’t come to fruition in meaningful volume. Instead, aftermarket companies have quietly been doing the actual work of turning truck beds into power-generating surfaces. Worksport is one of those companies, and its latest SOLIS solar tonneau cover brings that long-discussed concept to Rivian R1T owners. For a pickup that already leans heavily into outdoor use and off-grid capability, the addition feels like a logical extension rather than a novelty.

What the SOLIS Cover Is and Where It Fits

The Worksport SOLIS is a folding tonneau cover with integrated solar panels, designed to sit over the bed and generate power whenever the truck is parked. On the Rivian R1T, the SOLIS puts out about 250 watts in full sun. Worksport had to tweak the design to fit trucks with or without the factory power tonneau, which required extra engineering compared to more typical pickups.

Worksport offers SOLIS compatibility for models from Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Ram, Toyota, Nissan, Jeep, Dodge, and now Rivian, covering much of the mainstream pickup market. Yes, it’s not a one-off experiment, but an accessory that mixes traditional truck hardware with clean-energy tech.

Charging, Power Output, and Real-World Use

With 250 watts on tap, the SOLIS isn’t built to run big appliances or top up your EV’s main battery. It’s aimed at smaller, real-world usage. Pair it with Worksport’s COR portable battery, and you can store up the day’s solar power for when you actually need it. Under perfect sunlight, a single COR battery charges in about 4 hours.

Once charged, that power is enough for LED lights, phones, laptops, small fans, cameras, and basic tools. It’s the kind of setup that makes sense for camping, job sites, emergency backup, or light off-grid use – not running your whole house.

Direct EV Charging on the Horizon

Worksport says direct EV charging isn’t on the table yet. They’re interested in working with automakers down the line to make that happen as electric pickups get more common. It’s the same promise Tesla made years back, but so far, nobody’s delivered.

Right now, you can order the SOLIS cover for the Rivian R1T via Worksport’s website, with first deliveries set for mid-January. The cover itself costs $1,999, not including the COR battery or the cables and mounting gear. Everything is modular, so you’re not locked into a permanent setup.