Solana (SOL) is surging, posting 755% YoY growth in payment volume, outpacing both Web3 and Web2 platforms, says analyst VinCoop.
On-chain data indicate that total payments exceed $1.8 billion, and B2B transactions have increased ninefold to $3.84 billion over 16 months. Spot trading remains strong at $1.6T in 2025, accounting for 11.9% of global market share.
Well, Solana’s influence in DeFi is rising, with monthly DEX volumes hitting $313B last year, surpassing Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain. This surge highlights strong adoption by retail and institutional traders and underscores Solana’s capacity for fast, high-value transactions.
Despite strong user adoption, Solana continues to struggle with price. Trading near $87, the token has plunged 9% this week and 35% YTD. In February, over $300 million in long liquidations and net outflows from spot ETFs occurred.
Meanwhile, validator nodes have fallen below 800 from a peak of 2,500, highlighting ongoing network restructuring, which coincides with SOL dipping below $100 for the first time since 2024.
Solana’s rapid infrastructure growth and rising transaction volume showcase its scalability, yet cautious investors are liquidating positions, tempering price momentum.
Still, Standard Chartered projects Solana could reach $2,000 by 2030, keeping long-term optimism alive.
Well, the burning question remains: Is Solana’s growth outpacing price discovery, or is the network merely redistributing capital before a stronger phase? Analysts note that while usage growth signals long-term potential, short-term price swings may persist until confidence returns among both institutional and retail investors.
Therefore, Solana highlights a broader crypto trend whereby robust network activity doesn’t always translate into immediate price gains. The takeaway is that SOL is building real utility today, laying the foundation for future resilience, even if the current price lags.
