Solana ($SOL ) is a high-performance blockchain platform designed to support decentralized applications and smart contracts. Founded in 2017 by Anatoly Yakovenko and other former Qualcomm employees, Solana aims to offer superior scalability and speed compared to other blockchains, such as Ethereum. 

Key features of Solana:

• Speed and scalability: Solana utilizes an innovative consensus mechanism called 'Proof of History' (PoH), which allows processing thousands of transactions per second with block times of approximately 400 milliseconds. 

• Low transaction fees: Due to its efficiency, Solana maintains significantly low transaction fees, usually below $0.01 per transaction. 

• Environmental sustainability: The network is designed to be energy-efficient, consuming about 2,000 Joules per transaction, which is considerably lower compared to other blockchains and online activities, such as Google searches. 

Recent developments:

On March 3, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the creation of a 'Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve,' including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano. This initiative aims to position the U.S. as the 'Crypto Capital of the World.' Following the announcement, the price of SOL rose from $140 to $168, representing an approximate gain of 20%. 

Current market data:

Final considerations:

Solana stands out as one of the leading blockchain platforms, offering scalable and efficient solutions for decentralized applications. However, like any investment in cryptocurrencies, it is essential to be aware of market volatility and associated risks. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult financial experts before investing.