This is what I came up with. I'm not seeing any heating of the siding it's hard to tell on the sail as it's in direct sun. Also the unit is just under the corner of the sail so air can definitely get up and around. There's about F10* difference between the siding in direct sun and the condenser.

It's lasted 4 years so far and was only $20! It's a nylon mesh material that let's water flow right through without absorbing it so it doesn't get too heavy.

My neighborhood is just too dull to have one I guess. Although once per month the city workers come and pick up leaves and sticks if you place them by the curb, which is pretty exciting.

Sadly there are just too many variables in play. Many other changes have been made to help keep costs down such as different thermostat settings, extra insulation, and duct sealing. It does all add up to quite a bit of savings.

Snow weighs quite a lot! So it must come down after a/c season is over. This was $20 4-5 years ago. I wish retractable shades were in the budget, that would be awesome.