Leading the way.

In Holmes County, Ohio � home to the world�s largest Amish community � as many as 80% of Amish families now have photovoltaic panels. It seems the community, thought by some to reject modern conveniences, has embraced technologies that fit with their beliefs — such is their desire to remain off-grid.

The Amish, a conservative Christian religious sect, tries to avoid connecting to the electric grid, something they feel would endanger their efforts to remain separated from the rest of American society.

But the suggestion that the Amish �abhor� all modern conveniences is worth challenging, as their way of life is not defined by what technology they use but by what it does for them.

The integrity of family and the social community is valued higher than convenience, hence the rejection of many modern appliances. But the distinction is very clear � many have a dishwasher, which sanitizes and helps keep the family healthy, but a television is a large disruption to a family dynamic. Similarly, cell phones are typically isolating to the people around you, but most Amish families do have a regular phone in the house (or outside) for emergencies and to communicate with Amish living elsewhere.

It�s an interesting way to compare off-grid communities, and what it is that drives them to live this way.

Using solar power eliminates hazards around the house, such as gas lamps, which can be a fire hazard. You can also charge batteries for lights for horse-drawn buggies, used by the community for transport, as transportation codes require electric lights to be fitted on the buggies.

Generally, families use solar power for basic electrical needs like home lighting and powering sewing machines.

Previously, Amish communities have relied on diesel generators and windmills to provide limited amounts of electricity, but recent advances in solar technology have made photovoltaic panels an increasingly attractive alternative.

But local green techies, including the advocacy group Green Energy Ohio, are also now looking to the Amish for alternative energy innovations. Green Energy will showcase local Amish solar systems at the upcoming American Solar Energy Society annual conference in Cleveland, Ohio in July.

Tags: off-the-grid