Gas bearings are a key component of Sunpower’s technology portfolio. They provide non-contacting operation between critical components, which allows for designs with exceedingly long life.

Gas bearings function in much the same way as an air hockey table. High pressure gas is forced through small holes creating a cushion. In an air hockey table, the cushion of gas allows the puck and paddles to float and slide across the table easily. In Sunpower machines, the same principle allows for non-contacting operation.