Why Validators DAO?
If the Solana network continues in its current state, the sustainability of its security and decentralization may be compromised. However, by taking swift and effective measures to address these challenges, Solana has the potential to grow into a stronger and more decentralized network. Validators DAO aims to address these challenges and take important steps towards a brighter future for the Solana network with you.
Open Source Solana Validator Tool “solv”
We developed and released the validator setup and operation tool "solv" as open-source software to lower the entry barrier for Solana validators and contribute to network decentralization.
solv: https://solv.epics.dev/
This tool is used worldwide and significantly reduces the burden of installing and operating Solana validators, which was previously complex, earning widespread support. By using solv, validators can be set up with just three copy-and-paste operations. Daily updates are completed with a single command, dramatically reducing operational effort.
Furthermore, using solv's MEV (Maximum Extractable Value) mode eliminates the need for daily updates, keeping validators automatically up-to-date. As a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization), we are forming a validator community to collaboratively enhance network stability and reliability.
Through this community, knowledge sharing on stable network configurations will advance, improving the overall network quality. Additionally, community collaboration will actively drive enhancements to solv and the addition of new features, increasing its value as an open-source tool.
Thus, solv plays a crucial role beyond being a mere validator tool, contributing to the growth of the Solana ecosystem and realizing a healthy decentralized network.
Solana Validator Automation Service “Validators Solutions”
Using command-line interfaces is a high barrier for many users and can be laborious. Managing updates, revenue sharing, and voting costs entirely through commands complicates operations.
Other blockchains have "Out of the Box" solutions that simplify validator initiation, encouraging new participants. We believe that by developing and operating solv, lowering the entry barrier will attract many participants.
Reference - dappnode: https://dappnode.com/
We have launched the Solana validator automation service "Validators Solutions" on Discord on a trial basis. Although this service was stealth-released at the end of July 2024 and a dedicated channel was created on the Epics DAO Discord, no official announcements were made. Nevertheless, as of August 2024, several contracts have been signed, indicating strong demand.
Epics DAO Discord: https://discord.gg/GmHYfyRamx
Currently, there are no data centers with optimal tuning specifically for Solana validators. To reduce skip rates and aim for high validator scores, each validator operator must independently set up their own network and server racks. This makes it challenging to establish high-quality Solana validators globally.
The quality of validators is directly linked to the overall network quality. Therefore, improving the infrastructure environment is essential for enhancing the quality of the Solana network. We are starting with Amsterdam, Netherlands, and plan to globally deploy data centers optimized specifically for Solana validators.
As a result, the validator network of Validators Solutions is expected to achieve higher scores by being operated in these highly-tuned data centers. Through this initiative, we aim to further enhance the robustness and reliability of the Solana network.
Liquid Staking Token “elSOL”
While validator participation increased with Solana's staking incentive, more measures are needed to ensure long-term sustainability. Maintaining network prosperity and strong security requires staking decentralization and creating a favorable environment for small and medium-sized validators to survive.
The Solana Foundation is also strongly interested in staking decentralization and has taken measures (staking incentive programs are part of this). To enhance the security of the Solana network and reduce risks from staking concentration on specific validators, the Solana Foundation has officially developed and launched a Stake Pool program. Implemented in 2021, this program has undergone over ten rigorous audits and is considered the safest staking pool on Solana.
Reference (Solana Document - Stake Pool Introduction): https://spl.solana.com/stake-pool
Using this Stake Pool program enables the creation of Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs), which reduce the user's staking effort and risk while providing liquidity. Unlike regular staking, there is no lock-up period, and it can be exchanged for SOL or USDC immediately, yet staking rewards can still be earned. Additionally, LSTs can be deposited into LP pools like Orca to aim for higher yields. (If aiming for higher yields, risks also increase, so always follow the best practices of NFA/DYOR.)
elSOL is designed to enhance the quality and stability of the Solana network, supporting sustainable innovation. By utilizing monitoring bots and sophisticated delegation strategies, we aim to diversify staking risks and improve network security.
- 40% - High-performance validators operated by the solv development team: These validators use high-spec servers and high-bandwidth networks, operate with zero downtime, and offer high staking efficiency with zero staking fees due to MEV and block rewards.
- 30% - Validators Solutions MEV Premium Plan subscribers: This automated service also meets the same conditions as high-performance validators operated by the solv development team, making them a preferred choice for elSOL delegation.
- 30% - Voting via veVLD: elSOL holders mine VLD tokens, convert them to veVLD, and exercise their voting rights for new validators, supporting network decentralization.
Through this delegation strategy, elSOL promotes security and decentralization across the network, providing users with a beneficial staking experience.
Token Address: ELSoL1owwMWQ9foMsutweCsMKbTPVBD9pFqxQGidTaMC
Token Name: Enhanced Linkage SOL
Tick: elSOL
elSOL - Solscan: https://solscan.io/token/ELSoL1owwMWQ9foMsutweCsMKbTPVBD9pFqxQGidTaMC
elSOL - Orca: https://www.orca.so/?tokenIn=So11111111111111111111111111111111111111112&tokenOut=ELSoL1owwMWQ9foMsutweCsMKbTPVBD9pFqxQGidTaMC
elSOL - Jupiter: https://jup.ag/swap/SOL-elSOL
elSOL - Sanctum: https://app.sanctum.so/trade/SOL-elSOL
elSOL LP - Orca: https://www.orca.so/pools?tokens=ELSoL1owwMWQ9foMsutweCsMKbTPVBD9pFqxQGidTaMC
elSOL: https://elsol.app/