How To Deploy a Solidity Smart Contract on Solana using Neon

Overview

In this guide, you'll learn how to deploy a Solidity smart contract on the Solana blockchain using Neon EVM. Neon EVM is a Solana runtime for Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) smart contracts, enabling developers to execute Solidity code with Solana's scalability and low fees.

Key Objectives

• Set up a Neon-compatible development environment
• Create and deploy a Scoreboard smart contract using Solidity
• Test and verify the deployed contract
• Understand core Solana and Neon EVM concepts

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of Solidity and Solana fundamentals
• Node.js (v8.9.4 or later)
• Hardhat installed
• EVM-compatible wallet (e.g., MetaMask)

| Dependency | Version |
|------------|---------|
| Node.js | ≥8.9.4 |

Understanding Solana and Neon EVM

Solana Fundamentals

• Accounts as Files: Everything in Solana (wallets, programs, data) is stored in accounts resembling OS files.
• Programs ≠ Smart Contracts: Solana calls smart contracts "programs," which are stateless and rely on external accounts for data storage.
• High Storage Capacity: Accounts support up to 10MB of data.

Neon EVM Explained

Neon EVM is a full EVM implementation within Solana, allowing:

• Deployment of Solidity/Vyper contracts on Solana.
• Compatibility with Ethereum tools (MetaMask, Hardhat, Remix).
• Leveraging Solana’s low fees and parallel transaction processing.

Development Steps

1. Environment Setup

1. Add Neon DevNet to MetaMask:

   • Visit Neon’s Chainlist.
   • Connect wallet and click "Add to MetaMask."

2. Acquire Test Tokens:

   • Use the Neon Faucet to get NEON tokens for DevNet.

2. Hardhat Configuration

Initialize a Hardhat project and update hardhat.config.js:

require("@nomicfoundation/hardhat-toolbox");

const proxy_url = "https://devnet.neonevm.org";
const network_id = 245022926;

module.exports = {
  solidity: "0.8.4",
  networks: {
    neonlabs: {
      url: proxy_url,
      accounts: [privateKey], // Replace with your private key
      chainId: network_id,
    },
  },
};

3. Smart Contract Creation

Scoreboard.sol tracks game scores with functionalities like:

• Creating user profiles (createUser).
• Adding/resetting scores (addPoints, resetScore).
• Retrieving scores (getCurrentScore, getHighScore).

👉 View Full Contract Code

4. Testing

Run Mocha/Chai tests to validate contract logic:

describe("Scoreboard Contract", () => {
  it("Should create a user", async () => {
    await scoreboard.createUser();
    expect(await scoreboard.userIndex(owner.address)).to.equal(1);
  });
});

5. Deployment

Deploy to Neon DevNet:

npx hardhat run scripts/deploy.js --network neonlabs

6. Verification

Verify the contract on NeonScan:

npx hardhat verify DEPLOYED_ADDRESS --network neonlabs

FAQ

Q: Why use Neon EVM over traditional Solana programs?

A: Neon EVM allows Ethereum developers to port existing Solidity dApps to Solana without learning Rust.

Q: How do I fund my DevNet wallet?

A: Use the Neon Faucet to request NEON test tokens.

Q: Can I use Truffle instead of Hardhat?

A: Yes! Neon EVM supports Truffle, Remix, and other Ethereum dev tools.

Q: What’s the gas fee structure on Neon?

A: Fees mirror Solana’s low costs (e.g., ~0.00001 SOL per transaction).

Conclusion

You’ve successfully deployed a Solidity contract on Solana via Neon EVM! Key takeaways:

• Neon bridges Ethereum’s tooling with Solana’s performance.
• Hardhat simplifies testing and deployment.
• Always verify contracts for transparency.

👉 Explore Advanced Neon Features

For further learning, check out our Solang guide.

Feedback? Let us know via Discord or Twitter. Happy coding!