Marketing. I would take everything on this website with a grain of salt. Take it from someone who has actually built an off-grid system, one that is relied upon for 24/7/365 living rather than mere vacation cottage.
For example: OP re lead-acid battery options:
"Heavy, cheap, easy to use and they work! Typically will last about 3-5 years. Slower charge rates than lithium, much heavier, and they cost way more in the long run."
That is just plain incorrect. Lead-acid batteries regularly last a decade or more and are far cheaper than any lithium option at a given capacity. Look at nearly every 12v car or boat battery. You don't see those being replaced every 3-5 years. It is old reliable tech that just works. And, at a given price point, they can charge faster than lithium too.
The downside of lead-acid? There is little profit to make in selling them. All the patents have expired. They don't need software to control them. They are mature, centuries-old technology. A thousand companies are making lead-acid batteries and you can get them cheap. They weigh more, but for residential installation that isn't an issue.
The upside? Whereas lithium packs are a nightmare to recycle, lead-acid batteries hook into an established and profitable recycling system. They are the greener alternative to anything containing lithium.
For example: OP re lead-acid battery options:
"Heavy, cheap, easy to use and they work! Typically will last about 3-5 years. Slower charge rates than lithium, much heavier, and they cost way more in the long run."
That is just plain incorrect. Lead-acid batteries regularly last a decade or more and are far cheaper than any lithium option at a given capacity. Look at nearly every 12v car or boat battery. You don't see those being replaced every 3-5 years. It is old reliable tech that just works. And, at a given price point, they can charge faster than lithium too.
The downside of lead-acid? There is little profit to make in selling them. All the patents have expired. They don't need software to control them. They are mature, centuries-old technology. A thousand companies are making lead-acid batteries and you can get them cheap. They weigh more, but for residential installation that isn't an issue.
The upside? Whereas lithium packs are a nightmare to recycle, lead-acid batteries hook into an established and profitable recycling system. They are the greener alternative to anything containing lithium.