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Launched in 2020, Solana promised a leap forward in the development of blockchain technology, with unparalleled transaction speeds and a vision for a more scalable and efficient future. The Solana blockchain and its native token (SOL) have experienced both periods of success and formidable challenges over the past three years: from all-time price highs in 2021 to navigating industry-wide catastrophes in 2022, as it has sought to carve out its own niche in the digital asset space and mark its place as a rival to Ethereum.
After a remarkable comeback in 2023, many investors are asking: what does the future hold for this high-speed blockchain?
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Solana’s Price History
Solana first went public via its initial coin offering (ICO) in April 2020, entering the crypto market at an initial price of INR $0.9511. It quickly garnered attention for its innovative technology, promising a scalable solution for decentralised applications. This potential was not unnoticed, as the price of Solana soared, reaching an all-time high of $260 on Nov. 6, 2021.
However, the volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets soon left their mark. The 2022 bear market was not kind to Solana, causing the value of the SOL token to decline over 90% from its 2021 highs. In particular, the collapse of FTX, a significant cryptocurrency exchange with deep ties to Solana, triggered a sharp decline in SOL’s value. The coin lost over 50% of its value overnight, a stark reminder of the interconnected risks within the crypto ecosystem. This event led to Solana’s price dipping below $US10 in late 2022, casting doubts on its future.
Despite these challenges, Solana has demonstrated an ability to rebound. The last quarter of 2023 marked a significant turnaround for the coin, propelling its price above $US120 for the first time in years. This resurgence reflects not merely market dynamics but also the underlying strength and improvements within the Solana network.
“A 300% rise in the last 12 months has seen Solana firmly entrench itself as a top five coin by market cap,” CEO of CoinJar, Asher Tan, tells Forbes Advisor.
This turnaround can be attributed to several factors, not least of which was the platform’s almost full-year of network uptime. After a series of outages plaguing Solana, causing frustration among users and investors alike, the network has stabilised.
“A series of outages now seemingly behind them, increased platform stability, and a SOL price rally has provided some vindication for Solana holders entering 2024,” Tan adds.
Related: How to Buy Solana
How Will Solana Perform in 2024?
As we peer into the crystal ball, Solana’s trajectory for the year ahead appears optimistic with plenty of opportunities for significant advancements. The past year has laid a solid foundation for Solana, setting the stage for what could be an unprecedented period of growth and innovation.
One of the most compelling narratives around Solana’s rise is its increasing dominance in the decentralised finance (DeFi) and non-fungible token (NFT) sectors.
Solana’s ability to match or even surpass Ethereum in these critical aspects of the blockchain economy indicates a robust and scalable infrastructure capable of handling significant transaction volumes, a crucial factor for its continued adoption and growth.
The NFT market, in particular, has been a battleground for innovation and competition among various blockchain platforms. Solana’s aggressive foray into this space has not gone unnoticed.
With its high throughput and low transaction costs, Solana provides a compelling platform for NFT activities, positioning it as a strong contender for leading the market in 2024.
Many projects building on Solana have successfully mastered the art of marketing to crypto investors, attracting them through high yields and point systems that promise an airdrop in return for using their app.
Over the past few months, active Solana users have been rewarded with significant airdrops from multiple projects. Most notably, users of Jito and, more recently, Jupiter Exchange, received airdrops worth upwards of $10,000. These efforts have been pivotal in drawing an influx of capital, further energising the ecosystem.
What Does the Future Hold for Solana?
As we explore the future prospects of Solana, it’s imperative to balance our perspective by considering both the bullish and bearish viewpoints:
The Bull Case
Like many up and coming blockchain platforms, Solana’s success is often viewed through the lens of its comparison to Ethereum, which leads the category for blockchain smart contract platforms.
The Ethereum’s success formula—lowering barriers to entry and fostering a thriving community—suggests a bullish outlook for Solana as it continues to carve out its niche in the competitive blockchain space.
The Bear Case
However, it’s crucial to consider the challenges and trade-offs that have accompanied Solana’s growth. When considering the blockchain ‘trilemma’, which refers to the challenge of achieving a balance between scalability, security, and decentralisation in a blockchain network, it is clear that Solana has sacrificed decentralisation for scalability.
The proliferation of Layer-2 solutions on Ethereum addresses many of the criticisms levelled against Ethereum’s scalability and throughput, offering a counterpoint to the necessity of Layer-1 solutions like Solana.
Furthermore, Ethereum’s successful transition to Proof-of-Stake, known as ‘The Merge,’ exemplifies its ability to overcome significant challenges.
“While Ethereum has managed to navigate difficult engineering and public perception challenges like ‘The Merge’ to Proof-of-Stake, Solana’s relatively short operating history has yet to see its leadership tested in the same manner,” Tan says.
Uncertainties surround Solana’s capacity to navigate future challenges, particularly in an environment where its architectural compromises could be tested against the evolving demands of the blockchain market.
The future outlook for Solana contains both promise and potential hurdles. The bullish case rests on its demonstrated ability to captivate the market’s imagination and emulate aspects of Ethereum’s successful growth strategy. Conversely, the bearish perspective raises important questions about the sustainability of its architectural choices and untested leadership in the face of potential challenges.
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Is Solana a Good Investment?
The investment potential of Solana is a topic of considerable debate within the cryptocurrency community. With its innovative technology and active ecosystem, Solana has captured the attention of investors looking for the next big opportunity in the blockchain space.
This anticipation of future product releases indicates an ongoing effort to innovate and expand Solana’s reach, contributing to its appeal as a potentially valuable investment.
Determining whether Solana is a good investment depends on several factors, including one’s appetite for risk, investment horizon, and belief in the platform’s technological and market potential. While Solana presents a compelling case with its innovative features and community enthusiasm, investors must also weigh its challenges in achieving long-term dominance. As with any investment in the volatile cryptocurrency market, thorough research is critical and speaking with a financial advisor before making a decision is always recommended.
This article is not an endorsement of any particular cryptocurrency, broker or exchange nor does it constitute a recommendation of cryptocurrency or CFDs as an investment class. Cryptocurrency is unregulated in Australia and your capital is at risk. Trading in contracts for difference (CFDs) is riskier than conventional share trading, not suitable for the majority of investors, and includes the potential for partial or total loss of capital. You should always consider whether you can afford to lose your money before deciding to trade in CFDs or cryptocurrency, and seek advice from an authorised financial advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I buy SOL in India?
Purchasing Solana (SOL) in India is a straightforward process, accessible through various cryptocurrency exchanges. To start, you’ll need to create an account on a reputable exchange that lists SOL. After verifying your identity—a standard compliance step to ensure security and prevent fraud—you can deposit Indian rupee (INR) into your account using methods like bank transfer, credit/debit card, or even PayPal on some platforms. Once your funds are deposited, navigate to the SOL/INR market on the exchange, where you can place an order to buy SOL at either the current market price or a specified limit price.
Once you have SOL, you must decide where to store it. Most exchanges have an integrated crypto wallet; however, you may want to consider moving it to a private hardware wallet for the best security.
How much will Solana be worth in 2025?
Predicting the exact price of Solana (SOL) in 2025 is challenging due to the highly volatile and unpredictable nature of the cryptocurrency market. Factors such as technological advancements within the Solana ecosystem, changes in regulatory environments, market sentiment, and broader economic conditions can all significantly impact Solana’s future value. Analysts and experts may offer predictions based on current trends and historical data, but it’s essential to approach these forecasts cautiously and conduct thorough research before making investment decisions. It is always wise to consult a financial advisor before making an investment decision.