Lately, we’ve written a lot about feed-in tariffs. (For instance, read here for details on the possibility of a nationwide feed-in tariff program, here for info on Oregon’s pilot program, here for Sacramento’s regional program and here for Vermont’s statewide program.)

In February, the city of Gainesville, Florida became the first U.S. municipality to establish a feed-in tariff. Depending on one’s perspective, the program may be viewed either as a fantastic success or a total boondoggle. One thing is certain, however: LOTS of Gainesville residents are interested in getting solar.

As reported by Megan Rolland of The Gainesville Sun, there is a six-year waiting list to sign up for the program.

The number of energy-producing solar panels in Gainesville has skyrocketed since the city implemented its new solar incentive program in March.

In fact, a waiting list for the program – which is the first solar feed-in tariff in the United States and offers above-market-rate prices for electricity produced by privately owned and installed solar panels – now stretches until 2016.

As you’ll see in Rolland’s article and Kevin’s comment (see the “boondoggle” link above), the tariffs have proved to be a contentious matter. The case of Gainesville shows that, while promoting the adoption of solar power yields undeniable benefits, there remains considerable debate over the most appropriate way to do so.