Built for the half of the world still offline

SolarSPELL offline, digital libraries provide relevant & trustworthy information and help build internet-ready skills that empower offline communities. Our libraries are designed to be easy to use, even for digital novices, and they are filled with open access, multimedia content — curated to meet local information needs.

Our innovative, patent-pending new design features an intelligent charge controller that optimizes the amount of power extracted from the solar panel, as well as a streamlined case that is more durable and easier to use than its predecessor. The new hardware also introduces push-button on/off functionality, as well as an LED battery indicator display. Moreover, the new case is shock-, UV-, heat-, dust-, and water-resistant, and it’s made with recycled plastic, another first in the field of digital library solutions.

Click below to learn more about what you can find in our libraries.

Library collections

Watch this video to learn more about SolarSPELL’s approach to improving access to information and information + digital literacy around the world. Note that this video features our classic hardware; scroll to learn more about our latest digital library technology.

User-centered design

We began reimagining our library hardware in 2020, with the twin goals of better serving our users’ needs and reducing our carbon footprint. In 2024, we launched innovative new hardware that was designed, engineered and created by ASU students, faculty and staff, who incorporated user feedback to improve the overall experience. Use the slider below to see how our digital library hardware has changed over the years.

Key features

→Intelligent charge controller technology          →Water, shock, dust and heat-resistant       →Made using recycled plastic

→Full Charge in 4-12 hours (solar or USB)         →Integrated 10-watt solar panel                    →Lightweight +portable, weights 2.8 lbs 

→Single button on/off + battery level check       →Powered by Raspberry Pi                           →Designed for an 10-year product life

Learn more

Built by learners for learners

SolarSPELL is the only global digital library initiative that is created by learners for learners. Our new digital library technology was created here at ASU by a team of faculty, staff and students from Core Research Facilities; Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts; and Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Every year, we engage about 150 university students from around the world, who contribute to every aspect of the initiative. While the majority attend Arizona State University, about 20% of the students on our team join us from other universities and colleges around the world.

Student Opportunities
 
 
 
1
1

Global impact

92%

Feel better prepared to do their job

More about impact

88%

Report improved digital literacy

420,000+

Learners reached

How it works

In addition to providing learners with tens of thousands of downloadable, multimedia resources, the SolarSPELL library is designed to help digital novices build both information literacy and digital skills. The library mimics an online experience by generating its own offline WiFi hotspot to which any WiFi-capable device can connect to freely, and safely, explore. Each library collection, spanning education, health and agriculture, is also filled with interactive training resources, so users can build internet-ready skills — even offline.

Want to learn more?

Visit our FAQ page for more information→