On the other hand, places where local solar is particularly viable (like Sahara) shouldn't be a benchmark for off-the-grid solar viability either, because not t

On the other hand, places where local solar is particularly viable (like Sahara) shouldn't be a benchmark for off-the-grid solar viability either, because not that many people live there. In practise, you really do need to have grid and storage to use solar. (Local off-the grid solar is somewhat usable even here, but it does need battery storage. It is popular in holiday homes that are not located close to power lines. E.g. I have a cabin which is a kilometre away from nearest electric lines; building a power line to the grid would cost in the order of 50 k€ while an off-the-grid solar-powered system runs electronics and a fridge with an investment in 5k€ range.)