SOL is the native cryptocurrency of Solana, a high-performance blockchain designed for a new era of finance — where transactions are instant, efficient, and cost-effective. While other blockchains struggle with slow speeds and high fees, Solana enables seamless, near-instant transactions at a fraction of a cent, powered by its native cryptocurrency, SOL. It is widely used for NFTs and institutional-grade blockchain applications, valued for its scalability and efficiency.
Launched in 2020 by Anatoly Yakovenko and Raj Gokal, SOL is running on its own high-performance Layer 1 blockchain. It doesn’t rely on Ethereum or other networks. Instead, it uses Proof-of-History (PoH) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS) to keep things fast, efficient, and decentralized. A series of network upgrades, including enhancements to Solana’s core infrastructure, have improved stability and reduced downtime.
SOL is at the heart of staking, governance, and smart contracts. HODLers can stake their SOL to help secure the network and earn passive rewards, while on-chain governance lets them vote on network upgrades. It’s also integrated with cross-chain bridges.
With SOL in circulation as of May 8, 2026, its inflation rate decreases over time, making it more sustainable as adoption grows. SOL is utilized by both major institutions and DeFi participants.
