At first glance, lead-acid batteries seem more economical. But when considering total cost of ownership (TCO), lead-carbon often wins.
Upfront Costs
- Lead-acid: 100–100–150/kWh
- Lead-carbon: 150–150–250/kWh (~20–50% more expensive)
Long-Term Savings
✔ 2–3x longer lifespan → Fewer replacements
✔ Lower maintenance → Reduced sulfation means less equalization charging
✔ Higher efficiency → Less energy wasted in charging
Break-Even Point:
For applications with daily cycling (e.g., solar storage), lead-carbon pays for itself in 3–5 years.
Verdict: For long-term use, lead-carbon is a smarter investment.
