SOL Price Faces Key Support Amid Rapid Expansion of the Solana Network

Solana is currently testing investor confidence as the price of SOL hovers near crucial support levels, despite ongoing expansions within the network. After reaching above $147 earlier this week, the token has retraced below $145.

Key Takeaways

Solana's SOL price is facing critical support at $145, following a recent dip from $147.
Resistance levels are noted near $146 and $148, while support is strong around $140 and $132.
Regulatory developments may positively impact Solana, with proposed changes that could ease SEC requirements.
Despite the price struggle, the Solana network is expanding significantly, processing extensive trading volumes.
Initiatives aimed at increasing user engagement are also gaining momentum, indicating ongoing ecosystem growth.

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This price pullback occurs amidst heightened institutional interest, increasing adoption of real-world assets, and new initiatives aimed at users. This creates a striking contrast between the short-term pressures on the price and the longer-term growth of the ecosystem.

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SOL Price Examines Critical Support Level

The SOL token has entered a period of short-term correction after failing to surpass the $150 resistance level. The price dipped below $146 and $145, moving beneath the 100-hour simple moving average. Traders are now focusing on the $141–$140 zone, where both a bullish trend line and Fibonacci support overlap.

If SOL drops below $140, the next key support level is around $132, with further downside risk potentially reaching $124. On the upside, resistance levels are near $146 and $148. A confirmed breakout above $148 could stimulate a test of $155 and possibly $162.

Technical indicators suggest a cautious market sentiment. The hourly Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains below 50, and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) continues to exhibit bearish signals. Although trading volumes are healthy at about $5 billion in the last 24 hours, SOL is still down approximately a third from its value a year ago and significantly below its previous high near $293.

Regulatory Changes and Inflows into Solana ETFs

In addition to price movements, regulatory developments in the U.S. may significantly impact Solana’s medium-term prospects.

A draft bill called the "Clarity Act," released by the Senate Banking Committee, proposes to redefine certain cryptocurrencies with exchange-traded products as “non-incidental” assets starting in 2026. If enacted, this could alleviate some SEC disclosure requirements for assets such as SOL.

Should the proposal be approved, Solana may find itself in a regulatory category comparable to Bitcoin and Ethereum, potentially enhancing institutional access. Initial signs of interest are already emerging.

On January 15, U.S. spot Solana ETFs observed net inflows of $23.57 million, marking the highest influx in four weeks. However, ETF assets still account for only approximately 1.5% of SOL’s market cap, which may limit their immediate influence on price.

Despite SOL's pricing struggles, the Solana network continues to broaden its reach. In 2025, the blockchain managed to process $1.6 trillion in trading volume, representing about 12% of the overall crypto market. Its DeFi ecosystem remains robust, anchored by platforms like Jupiter, Raydium, Orca, and Kamino, with total value locked (TVL) stable near $11.5 billion.

A significant milestone was reached as Solana’s real-world asset (RWA) ecosystem achieved a record valuation of $1.15 billion, driven by tokenized U.S. Treasuries, equities, and institutional investments. This showcases an increasing adoption of Solana as a settlement layer for traditional assets.

User engagement initiatives are also on the rise. Solana’s Seeker phone is distributing a large SKR token airdrop to over 100,000 users, while Interactive Brokers has facilitated 24/7 USDC deposits through the Solana network, enhancing access for traders worldwide.

Cover image from ChatGPT, SOLUSD chart from Tradingview.