Right from the git-go, I would not spend a LOT of money just to power a microwave on batteries.
The costs for 2 large batteries, the inverter, heavy cables, fuse panel, fancy controller, large fridge, and large solar array, is quite high. Add it all up. Then add up the weight of all that gear, plus the bracketry and cabinetry to contain it all.
Just to nuke some soup or a frozen fish stick meal in 3 minutes twice a day. I think you will need WAY more than 200 watts of solar to keep a microwave running 3 to 6 times a day, 5 or ten minutes each time. Then think about a week of cloudy skies....now, NO power to run it on solar. And you STILL have to power that fridge 24/7 on that same 200 watts.
Out in the boonies or even a campground, (with a van or small trailer) I cook (and reheat) with propane for a LOT less money, and a lot less weight.
I'm not anti-microwave, (another thread) but the $$$ you will spend for that luxury, PLUS all the weight, seems to need a bit of some re-think. Microwaves are very good at saving you some time, but, out there, in the sticks, you aren't likely to be THAT rushed for time.
IF you had a big double axle trailer and a big V-8 pickup, I would not be concerned about weight. But I know it's a smaller trailer, that will have enough water and food for 2 people, furniture, supplies, clothing, camping gear, tent, etc, AND sleeping pods, pulled by a V-6 SUV.
The genset you buy now will power a microwave later, if you really decide you need it out there. Plus you might be able to get by with one good battery, a smaller solar controller, a 300w inverter, and the 200 solar watts will be matched up nicely to the daily laptop charging, LED lights, and smartphone use.
And don't forget canned foods....no refrigeration needed!
I am not saying NOT to order all that stuff....but just give it some thought....saving money AND weight seems like a good plan.
Keeping up with the joneses is never a good idea, especially out there in the middle of nowhere. Live YOUR dream, not someone else's.
The costs for 2 large batteries, the inverter, heavy cables, fuse panel, fancy controller, large fridge, and large solar array, is quite high. Add it all up. Then add up the weight of all that gear, plus the bracketry and cabinetry to contain it all.
Just to nuke some soup or a frozen fish stick meal in 3 minutes twice a day. I think you will need WAY more than 200 watts of solar to keep a microwave running 3 to 6 times a day, 5 or ten minutes each time. Then think about a week of cloudy skies....now, NO power to run it on solar. And you STILL have to power that fridge 24/7 on that same 200 watts.
Out in the boonies or even a campground, (with a van or small trailer) I cook (and reheat) with propane for a LOT less money, and a lot less weight.
I'm not anti-microwave, (another thread) but the $$$ you will spend for that luxury, PLUS all the weight, seems to need a bit of some re-think. Microwaves are very good at saving you some time, but, out there, in the sticks, you aren't likely to be THAT rushed for time.
IF you had a big double axle trailer and a big V-8 pickup, I would not be concerned about weight. But I know it's a smaller trailer, that will have enough water and food for 2 people, furniture, supplies, clothing, camping gear, tent, etc, AND sleeping pods, pulled by a V-6 SUV.
The genset you buy now will power a microwave later, if you really decide you need it out there. Plus you might be able to get by with one good battery, a smaller solar controller, a 300w inverter, and the 200 solar watts will be matched up nicely to the daily laptop charging, LED lights, and smartphone use.
And don't forget canned foods....no refrigeration needed!
I am not saying NOT to order all that stuff....but just give it some thought....saving money AND weight seems like a good plan.
Keeping up with the joneses is never a good idea, especially out there in the middle of nowhere. Live YOUR dream, not someone else's.
