Solana Historical Price and Return Analysis: Should I Buy SOL Now?

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of Solana’s historical prices and market volatility since its inception, combining data from bull and bear market phases to assess the potential returns for investors purchasing 10 SOL tokens. It addresses the critical question: “Should I buy Solana now?” to help both newcomers and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and growth opportunities.

Bull Market Origins and Early Market Cycles: Historical Price Review (2020 to 2021)

Solana was founded by former engineers from Qualcomm, Intel, and Dropbox in late 2017 as a single-chain delegated proof-of-stake protocol focused on providing scalability without compromising decentralization or security. According to CoinMarketCap records, its early trading price was approximately $0.73.

The following shows Solana’s price changes during the early bull market phase:

2020

• Opening Price: $0.73
• Closing Price: $2.16
• Highest Price: $4.40
• Lowest Price: $0.6874
• Annual Return: 196.05%

2021

• Opening Price: $3.47
• Closing Price: $176.34
• Highest Price: $249.39
• Lowest Price: $3.47
• Annual Return: 4,978.04%

An investor who purchased 10 SOL tokens during the early bull market in 2020 would have achieved a potential return of $905.40 if sold today. The explosive growth continued into 2021, where the same 10-token investment would have yielded $877.97 in returns.

Bear Market Adjustment and Medium-Term Cycles: Returns and Risk Analysis (2022 to 2023)

During this period, Solana experienced significant price volatility, marked by a severe downturn in 2022 followed by recovery in 2023. The market faced headwinds from macroeconomic pressures and sector-wide challenges.

The following shows potential returns for investors who purchased 10 SOL tokens during the bear market and recovery phase:

• 2022: -$494.67 (representing losses for those holding positions)
• 2023: $768.02 (reflecting recovery gains)

2022

• Opening Price: $140.74
• Closing Price: $9.99
• Highest Price: $147.86
• Lowest Price: $9.99
• Annual Return: -92.90%

2023

• Opening Price: $14.47
• Closing Price: $101.71
• Highest Price: $112.47
• Lowest Price: $14.47
• Annual Return: 603.00%

Recent Market Cycles: Should I Buy Solana Now? (2024 to 2026)

In recent years, Solana has demonstrated renewed upward momentum in 2024, followed by consolidation and decline in 2025 and 2026. Market participants continue to debate whether the asset has entered a new bull cycle or remains in correction territory.

2024

• Opening Price: $89.41
• Closing Price: $213.39
• Highest Price: $252.68
• Lowest Price: $89.41
• Annual Return: 138.66%

2025

• Opening Price: $188.47
• Closing Price: $134.12
• Highest Price: $252.60
• Lowest Price: $105.89
• Annual Return: -28.84%

2026 (to date)

• Opening Price: $139.70
• Closing Price: $91.27
• Highest Price: $139.70
• Lowest Price: $91.27
• Annual Return: -34.67%

Potential returns for investors purchasing 10 SOL tokens during this recent period are as follows:

• 2024: $18.60
• 2025: -$972.00
• 2026 (to date): -$484.30

Summary: Bull Markets, Bear Markets, and Investment Timing Analysis

Through analysis of Solana’s historical prices and potential returns, the data reveals an asymmetric pattern characterized by explosive early bull markets (2020-2021), severe bear market correction (2022), recovery phase (2023), and subsequent consolidation with downward pressure (2024-2026). The current period shows negative returns for recent purchasers, requiring investors to carefully evaluate whether current price levels present attractive entry opportunities or signal further downside risk when deciding whether to purchase Solana at this time.