A system for melting a substance may be provided. The system may comprise a microwave generator, at least one wave guide, a melter assembly, and at least one thermal insulator. The at least one wave guide may connect the microwave generator to at least one power transfer element. The at least one wave guide may be configured to transfer microwave energy from the microwave generator to a refractory assembly. The melter assembly may comprise the refractory assembly and the at least one power transfer element connected to the refractory assembly. The refractory assembly may comprise at least one absorption element configured to transfer microwave energy, received from the at least one power transition element, into heat energy. The at least one thermal insulator may be configured to allow the microwaves to penetrate to the at least one absorption element.