The Amish, as you probably know, aren’t such big fans of electricity or other modern conveniences.   They are big fans of barn-raising, however, if every TV show and movie that involves the Amish is to be believed.   Regardless, updated technology is something to be avoided in most cases, but these days some Amish have embraced solar technology to help power their community.   The Philadelphia Enquirer reports that Amish people often use solar panels to power devices needed for work, but usually do not allow them for the home.

The Amish fear becoming too materialistic and worldly, which is why they do not use solar to power batteries for iPods, TVs, laptops but do use them for water pumps, washing machines, and battery-powered floor lamps.

The religion, which is very strict when it comes to uses of technology, considers solar power as “tapping into God’s grid,” according to Donald Kraybill, an expert on the Amish at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. And you know God’s got a pretty good power supply.   I think they talk about it in Exodus.

The Amish Church has not officially chimed in (through the form of a bishop-council) on the use of solar power, and some of those that live in Lancaster County are wary of the use.   However, most Amish see the use of solar power in some small, work-related devices as okay.   If you also would like some solar power running in your home, you can takepart to get connected to manufacturers in your area.

And, what the hell.   Here’s ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic’s “Amish Paradise.”  We kid because we love.