$SOL SOL is the native cryptocurrency of the Solana blockchain, known for its high-speed, low-cost transactions. Launched in 2020, Solana uses a unique hybrid consensus (Proof-of-History + Proof-of-Stake) to achieve scalability, handling thousands of transactions per second (TPS). SOL fuels network operations, including smart contracts, DeFi, NFTs, and dApp development. Its price surged during the 2021 bull run but remains volatile. Competitors include Ethereum and Cardano. Solana emphasizes decentralization and energy efficiency, attracting developers and investors. Despite network outages in 2022, SOL remains a top-10 crypto by market cap. Its future depends on adoption, tech resilience, and broader crypto trends.