China Media Group recently released Chasing the Light, the country’s first major industrial documentary on the photovoltaic (PV) sector. The program featured CRRC Times Electric, a subsidiary of CRRC Zhuzhou Institute, highlighting its innovation-driven entry into solar technology. As a key part of CRRC’s clean energy strategy, the company demonstrates how deep expertise in rail power electronics is now fueling advances in green energy.
High-Speed DNA Powering Solar Innovation
CRRC Times Electric’s PV journey draws from its core strength in traction converter technology—built on decades of experience in high-speed rail. The company has fused high-speed rail standards with PV applications, applying stringent design protocols, precision manufacturing, and quality control to the entire solar inverter value chain.
This integration has created a distinct competitive edge: unmatched reliability, efficiency-oriented design, and built-in safety. As a result, Times Electric has quickly become one of China’s top three suppliers for ground-mounted PV stations, setting a new benchmark for quality and dependability in the inverter market.
Launch of “Chixiao” Inverter: A Strategic Leap
At the 2025 SNEC PV Expo, CRRC Times Electric unveiled its flagship DC2000V 455kW string inverter—“Chixiao”. The product represents more than an upgrade; it reflects a full-scale, system-level innovation aimed at cost efficiency and performance for large-scale solar plants.
Key breakthroughs include:
“More than isolated tech breakthroughs, we focus on system-level solutions,” said Gan Weiwei, General Manager of the Green Energy Division. Times Electric’s inverters now operate in over 70 GW of installations, covering extreme conditions from deserts to offshore environments.
From Key Components to Industry Leadership
One critical advantage lies in power semiconductor development. Since 2009, Times Electric has leveraged its R&D in rail power electronics to advance domestically produced semiconductor devices—historically a weak link in China’s PV supply chain. After over a decade of effort, it now holds a core technological lead.
Building a National Innovation Hub
As featured in Chasing the Light, Times Electric’s transformation from rail power system manufacturer to PV technology innovator reflects CRRC’s broader commitment to green development. Backed by CRRC Group’s global engineering strength, the company continues to promote synergy between mobility and energy sectors.
From traction converters on the Fuxing high-speed trains to advanced solar inverters, Times Electric’s cross-industry innovation showcases how a deep industrial foundation and long-term R&D investment can reshape an entire market. Looking ahead, the company will continue advancing integrated, intelligent, and reliable solutions to power China’s new energy future—illuminating a broader path toward sustainability.
