When you think about avid proponents of green energy technology, chances are Anabaptist Christian sects with a penchant for the horse and buggy likely don't spring immediately to mind, unless you've been reading your New Scientist.

It turns out the Amish, famous for their shunning of modern conveniences, have taken to solar tech in a big way, particularly in Ohio. About 80% of Amish families in Holmes County, home to the world's largest Amish community, now use photovoltaic panels.

Sure, this raises red flags about the whole "modern convenience" thing, but using solar panels keeps the Amish off the local power grid, while allowing them to charge batteries for the state-mandated lights on all their horse-drawn buggies. According to New Scientist, they also use solar power to light their homes and power sewing machines.

The irony here is that green technology advocates are now looking to a socially conservative religious sect to teach them progressive ways to curb traditional power consumption.

Still, there's no word yet on the imminent development of the solar-powered butter churner.

via Gizmodo