There are several residential systems in our area installed on the ground and they don't look particularly nice, which is why I didn't want mine on the ground. Luckily we have the huge equipment shed. They will have to run the wires underground and under the pond to the breaker boxes in the house. Plus, I didn't want anything else to mow around.
With the tax breaks that are currently being offered for alternative energy systems, we simply couldn't go wrong. If you are only looking to heat a workshop, there are probably small panels available at a home improvement type store.
I’m glad to know that there are some conservatives who will be able to take advandtage of the solar tax breaks. I hope you post pictures, etc., as you go along.