ASU SolarSPELL Initiative
SolarSPELL makes TIME Best Inventions list
SolarSPELL has been selected for TIME‘s list of Best Inventions of 2025! Among the life-changing innovations being honored this year, SolarSPELL is being recognized in the Social Impact category for the groundbreaking offline digital library hardware we launched in 2024.
What we do
The ASU SolarSPELL Initiative empowers offline communities globally by providing localized libraries and building the 21st century skills people need to make informed decisions, increase their self-reliance, and improve their quality of life.
We work closely with local partners to identify information needs, curate relevant content, and continually improve our collections across three sectors: education, health and agriculture. The SolarSPELL (Solar Powered Educational Learning Library) digital library mimics an online experience by generating its own offline WiFi hotspot to which any WiFi-capable device can connect to freely, and safely, surf the library’s tens of thousands of open access resources.
Localized libraries
Diverse collections feature open source, multimedia content curated to meet local needs.
Solar, offline technology
Rugged, portable and compatible with any Wi-Fi enabled device, our libraries can reach even the most remote.
Train-the-trainer model
Hands-on training gives communities the tools they need to use their library to its fullest potential.
Impact evaluation
Thorough impact evaluation helps us continuously improve our libraries to better meet user needs.
90%
Say SolarSPELL meets their information needs
92%
Feel better prepared to do their job
88%
Report improved digital literacy
490,000
Estimated number of learners reached
News & updates
SolarSPELL named a finalist for 2026 Edison Awards
January 21, 2026 | Edison Awards
SolarSPELL has been selected from thousands of applicants as a finalist for the 2026 Edison Awards in the Cultural Impact and Education category!
ASU employees earn recognition for work on real-world solutions
December 12, 2025 | ASU News
“From a library that can be accessed anywhere in the world to an AI tool that analyzes speech to determine brain health, faculty and staff at Arizona State University…”
SolarSPELL wins Global Education Award from QS
December 9, 2025 | Quacquarelli Symonds
“Arizona State University’s SolarSPELL Initiative was recognized for its groundbreaking work delivering solar-powered, offline digital libraries that bring…”
Contribute to our efforts
Give today and join our community of SolarSPELL library patrons. With your one-time donation or ongoing financial support, your gift empowers learners globally by providing access to localized information paired with the training for long-term success.
Our partnerships
SolarSPELL’s work would not be possible without the non-profits, government ministries, intergovernmental organizations and companies that partner with us. We are grateful for their dedication to empowering communities with access to information and internet-ready skill-building!
