My co-worker did just that, but at a much higher latitude(49°) than Texas - he couldn't be arsed with building racks for the panels himself and having people do

My co-worker did just that, but at a much higher latitude(49°) than Texas - he couldn't be arsed with building racks for the panels himself and having people do it for him would cost too much in his view. While the panels are indeed cheap this, along with the DIY wood gas combined heat and power generator, are measures taken for energy security, not profit.