#$SOL

**Solana (SOL)** is a high-performance blockchain platform designed for decentralized applications (dApps) and crypto transactions. Launched in 2020, it uses a unique **Proof-of-History (PoH)** consensus mechanism combined with **Proof-of-Stake (PoS)** to achieve fast, low-cost transactions—processing up to **65,000 per second**.

SOL is Solana’s native cryptocurrency, used for fees, staking, and governance. Its speed and scalability have made it a popular choice for **DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 projects**, often seen as a competitor to Ethereum. However, Solana has faced criticism for network outages and centralization concerns.

Despite volatility, SOL remains a top 10 crypto by market cap. Its ecosystem continues to grow, backed by strong developer support and institutional interest, positioning it as a key player in blockchain innovation.