We have clouds, but in the subtropics solar does pay for itself eventually, the sunlight is so direct. I don't want panels on my roof (we finally got everything hurricane -rated, metal roof, storm windows, and insurers here will sometimes drop houses with solar panels on the roof) but would like solar carport, back porch, and if it was possible, yeah over the garden but angled for the dappled light - I lose a lot more food plants to too much bright sun, than any other factor.