my suggestion would be to become involved with amateur radio... VHF is line of sight, so without operational repeaters you are somewhat limited, but elevation is your friend... HF gets you "F" layer skip, especially with CW Morse, but most people don't want to learn code and do the technician license... CB is limited range, but works if you are within a couple of miles if mobile, and about 10 miles if you have a good 1/2 wave vertical on a 30'mast... SSB helps... directional beam antennas can improve your reception

radio supported by a solar charging battery bank, or small inverter generator

JI... what distance do you perceive a need to communicate over?