is my off grid dream out of reach?

[Ampster]

Don't feel bad about charging from the grid during the day while away from home, e.g. at work. That just might be performing your civic duty.

Yes, I am in California and get paid $5 a month to let them shut off my EVSE when the grid is stressed. I look forward to a time where I might get paid to put load on the grid to help the grid operators not have to curtail commercial solar production at the bottom of the duck curve.

Unfortunately, non of this is relevant to the OP since he is off grid. Except it may reenforce his desire to remain off grid.