Born in Ferrara, he received his education at the Imperial College in Vienna and at the University of Pavia. Throughout his life he actively participated in anti-Austrian resistance. At one point, he was incarcerated for his activities. He completed several literary works, including the novel Michelino, his style influenced by Alessandro Manzoni. He then found work as a librettist; his collaboration with the composer Giuseppe Verdi began in 1839 and lasted for a few years, from Oberto, conte di san Bonifacio to Attila, including Giovanna d'Arco, Nabucco, I Lombardi alla prima crociata and Giovanna d'Arco. He also wrote libretto for other composers, such as Emilio Arrieta (La Conquista di Granata), Carlo Hermann (Galeotto Manfredi) and Achile Peri (L'espiazione). 

Solera then found work as the impresario for the Royal Theatre in Madrid. He died in Milan in 1878.