Solar power for tonneau cover
A.R.E. is now offering solar-powered keyless entry to its line of fiberglass tonneau covers for pickup trucks. SolARay solar-powered keyless entry allows drivers to remotely lock and unlock A.R.E.'s LSX and LSII tonneau covers using solar energy. The company said SolARay works by mounting an aerodynamic solar panel measuring less than one-tenth of an inch above the tonneau cover's lock and attaching a “sleek” battery pack to the inside center of the cover.
“We are happy to offer SolARay as a convenient option for truck owners, who will no longer need to tap into their truck's power source or change batteries in order to have the functionality of remote keyless entry,” said Bryan Baker, director of marketing. “The solar panel is weather-proof, UV stable and holds up to 60 locks/unlock uses, so it will stay powered even when you're working in your garage late at night. Plus, the product is self-contained with no wires to deal with in the truck bed.”
In addition to the keyless entry function, the product also features six lift-activated LED lights that automatically turn on when the tonneau cover is opened. The LED lights are located on the front of the battery pack. Baker noted the LED lights feature a timer that automatically turns off after five minutes and a light sensor to determine the light conditions, both of which help keep the battery pack fully powered.
A set of two key fobs are included with the purchase of SolARay, and a one-year product warranty is offered. A.R.E. said it developed SolARay with Superb Industries. SolARay is available factory-installed with the purchase of an A.R.E. tonneau cover, or it can be bought separately.