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 becamethe first U.S. municipality to establish a feed-in tariff. Depending onone’s perspective, the program may be viewed either as a fantasticsuccess 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 hasskyrocketed since the city implemented its new solar incentive programin March.

In fact, a waiting list for the program – which is the first solarfeed-in tariff in the United States and offers above-market-rate pricesfor 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 contentiousmatter. The case of Gainesville shows that, while promoting theadoption of solar power yields undeniable benefits, there remainsconsiderable debate over the most appropriate way to do so.

Source