If you're going to live remotely I think it would be an easy choice to install solar. The US is very good for solar in general, compared to Europe. Also many of these wide open areas are also great for wind power.
And what "extreme and unexpected weather" are you talking about? Climate change has increased the severity of hurricanes but I've heard nothing about tornados which is all you would have to worry about. The western parts have to worry about fires to some extent, but that's not a problem for the eastern parts (even intentional fires put themselves out). Also even in the western parts, it's hard to create a firestorm without trees, a simple fire break can stop many grass fires.
And what "extreme and unexpected weather" are you talking about? Climate change has increased the severity of hurricanes but I've heard nothing about tornados which is all you would have to worry about. The western parts have to worry about fires to some extent, but that's not a problem for the eastern parts (even intentional fires put themselves out). Also even in the western parts, it's hard to create a firestorm without trees, a simple fire break can stop many grass fires.