SOLR vs VOO
Guinness Atkinson Sustainable Energy ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. SOLR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SOLR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.59% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.08% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.49% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.08% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.10% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 11, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SOLR vs VOO Performance
Guinness Atkinson Sustainable Energy ETF (SOLR) is a ETF from SmartETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SOLR returned +28.49% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, SOLR is up 10.08% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, SOLR compounded at +5.08% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.10% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +7.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOLR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -38.0% for SOLR and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOLR charges 0.79% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOLR currently yields 0.59% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SOLR and VOO share 6 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SOLR or VOO?
SOLR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOLR or VOO?
Over the past year SOLR returned +28.49% vs +23.01% for VOO, so SOLR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SOLR annualized +7.45% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOLR or VOO?
SOLR has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SOLR -38.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SOLR and VOO?
SOLR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOLR and VOO?
SOLR and VOO share 6 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOLR or VOO?
SOLR yields 0.59% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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