I’m honestly super excited about you asking because I think I’ll be able to change your mind with a single picture:

https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Getty...

The sun moves, and therefore the shadows move. And you need some space between the panels anyways, so they don’t shade each other. Also, grass can grow in the shadow!

The cost of installation is not a problem, because the ROI is greater than the interest on a loan. That’s what banks are for!