How to stake Solana: The ultimate guide for 2024

Solana (SOL) stands out as a prominent layer one (L1) blockchain network, posing a significant challenge to Ethereum's dominance in smart contract platforms. Over recent years, SOL crypto has drawn in millions of investors, offering them the opportunity to earn yield through its staking feature. Moreover, staking SOL tokens not only generates returns but also bolsters Solana's security and decentralization. Curious about staking your Solana tokens? This article covers all the essentials of Solana staking, including validator prerequisites, different staking methods for SOL, and more.

Understanding Solana staking

Staking in the Solana network involves locking up SOL tokens to participate in the consensus process and earn rewards. It's similar to Ethereum's proof-of-stake mechanism, where validators validate transactions and maintain the network.

To become a validator, users need to stake SOL tokens as collateral. They can either run their own validator node or delegate their tokens to existing validators. This delegation allows users to participate in staking without running a node themselves.

Mechanisms for earning rewards in Solana staking

In the Solana network, validators receive block rewards as compensation for their participation in the consensus process. Their responsibility includes validating newly suggested blocks, and these rewards are distributed among all validators who successfully validate blocks added to the Solana blockchain.

If a validator acts as the block proposer (also known as the leader), they have the opportunity to earn transaction fees and storage fees for each block they add to the blockchain.

For users who prefer not to operate and manage a validator node, they can opt to delegate their SOL tokens to existing validators and receive rewards passively.

As of April 24, 2024, the current rewards are approximately 7% in annual percentage yield (APY).

Understanding Solana staking mechanism

SOL, Solana's native cryptocurrency, serves as both gas fee payment and for staking purposes.

Staking plays a crucial role in the security of a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain. As the total staked amount on the network increases and validator sets diversify, it becomes progressively challenging for malicious actors to coordinate attacks on the PoS blockchain.

To gain control of a blockchain network successfully, an attacker must possess sufficient stake to manipulate transactions and account balances. Hence, when the total staked amount on the network is substantial, it becomes economically infeasible and unprofitable to attack the blockchain. This underscores the essence of Solana staking.

Simplest method for staking SOL

If you're not keen on the complexities of managing a validator node but still want to stake Solana, we have a solution for you.

The simplest method to stake Solana involves delegating your SOL tokens to existing validators. Delegation entails assigning some or all of your SOL tokens to a specific validator or validators. Importantly, delegating doesn't grant the validator control or ownership over your tokens, and you retain the option to withdraw your staked tokens at any time.

To explore Solana network validators and their performance metrics, you can visit community-operated platforms such as Solanabeach.io and Validators.app.

It's worth noting that validators typically charge a commission fee for offering staking services.

Is it possible to stake SOL and become a validator on Solana using your PC?

As per Solana Labs, individuals can operate validator nodes using their personal computers provided that their home setups meet the specified hardware requirements. Validators need to ensure a stable and high-speed internet connection, possess proficiency in Linux terminal operations, understand computer processes including drive formatting and mounting, and be capable of promptly addressing validator-related issues.

Additionally, validators should have skills in marketing and communication to attract delegators and meet customer support needs.

Solana Labs also suggests the option of running Solana validators on cloud computing platforms, although they caution that this approach may not be cost-effective in the long run.

How to stake Solana?

Staking using self-custodial wallets

• Obtain a suitable wallet.
• Set up and manage stake accounts; delegate to validators.

Staking via custodial wallets/CEX accounts

• Utilize platforms like Binance for staking.
• Bypass the requirement for stake accounts; enjoy a straightforward process.

Liquid staking

• Stake directly within wallets; receive receipt tokens.
• Participate in DApps such as Marinade to access liquidity.

Staking using self-custodial wallets

To stake your SOL tokens, you'll require a Solana-compatible crypto wallet that supports staking. You'll also need to generate a stake account, enabling you to delegate your tokens to validators on the Solana network. Each stake account possesses a unique address, and you can manage them conveniently from your crypto wallet. There's flexibility in creating multiple stake accounts as needed. Once set up, you can delegate your SOL tokens to your preferred validators. Note that each stake account is tied to a single validator at a time. If delegating to different validators is desired, tokens must be distributed across multiple stake accounts.

Staking using custodial wallets or CEX accounts

Numerous centralized crypto exchanges (CEX), such as Binance and Coinbase, facilitate staking for SOL tokens. This method entails minimal effort and is hassle-free for users. No movement of SOL tokens out of the accounts or creation of stake accounts is required. However, it's essential to recognize that custodial staking exposes users to risks associated with exchange failure. Instances such as sudden unavailability, bankruptcy filings, or regulatory bans could impact users' staked assets.

Liquid Staking

Liquid staking involves a staking mechanism where stakers receive a receipt token usable within decentralized applications (DApps). This approach addresses the liquidity challenge inherent in staking, which typically entails locking up crypto tokens.

Individuals holding SOL tokens in self-custodial crypto wallets can leverage liquid staking services offered by DApps like Marinade, Jito, and Blaze.

Pros and cons of staking Solana