In isolated locations where the cost to run a grid connection is high, locally generated energy makes sense, even if it is intermittent. Pumping water from a well into a cistern, for example.
Rural electrification changed things. My grandfather lived on a farm in rural NJ in the early 1900s and they had a windmill for pumping water. He was always worried about running out of water from the cistern when there were extended periods when the wind didn't blow. When rural electrification came in the first thing he did was tear down his windmill. He had a monthly utility bill to pay, but never worried again about lacking water.
I love that story! I worked for the REA co-op in OK (OAEC) for some years as a consultant and I know I would’ve loved being among those first Rural Electrification workers who went to the farms and signed people up, then watched as the plant switches were turned on across the countryside over the years.
Your REA rep was like a county extension agent - had to have answers for all kinds of farm living questions - my favorite area of expertise would have been in recipes, canning, preserving, cooking and so forth. I just think it would’ve been a fun job and a friendly way to make a living.