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I know next to nothing about solar technology at this point but it seems like so many of the lead acid UPS batteries I've encountered die within a few years. Does that tend to be the case with solar batteries?
Lead acid requires maintainance (for non-sealed), proper ventilation, and proper charging. A UPS is going to usually put a battery in harsh conditions and the ones used in UPSs that I've seen are not exactly meant to keep batteries in good condition.
If you plan your setup right, keep them temperature controlled, proper power management within 50-80%, and maintain them, you will get ~5 years. That should give enough time to find a good deal or save up for more expensive batteries.
A few years ago these were considered old reliable for flooded. Golf cart gel batteries (trojan AGM, interstate ECL) will likely be a contender too.