Considerations for panels on old / new patio cover in San Diego area

[mungosocal]

My thinking has strayed far away enough from the original title and questions that I think we should let this thread die. I'll start another one at some point soon that focuses on what I have now moved on to, which is a more conventional roof install. Thanks for all of the helpful points made so far. I did answer my own question about financing: my credit union seems to offer HELOC under favorable terms and while there may be some fees, they are all credited back.