I have 400 watt solar system 4 Interstate 6v golf cart batteries and a 2000 watt inverter/charger. And a 3400 watt remote start dual fuel champion generator. We are on our 10th day dry camping at the ocean with a 5 and two 10 year old grandkids. I run too led tvs kids games lights you name it. I'v only started the generator one time in 10 days for 15 minutes, because the kids wanted a microwave pizza or something. My batteries will run the microwave but 15 minutes is a bit long. Bottom line is I agree with your wife, the generator should not be run everyday. All you need is good batteries, solar and you're set.
Mel