Solar Radiation is a thing. The air temperature you read is the temp in the shade. Being in the sun can add 20-50F (depending on the solar radiation and such) to the surface temperature.

So shading a unit can 'help' lower power. Instead of condensing against 150F, you're condensing against 110F in the heat of the day/summer (100F air temp). For R410A, that's a difference in pressure of ~620 psig vs. ~368 psig ( a 252 psig reduction).

The lower pressure also means when it flashes in the evaporator, you get more liquid instead of just cold gas. Liquid going to gas is where 'the heat transfer' is (aka, where the meat is) when cooling down the house.

Also means less amperage on the motor, which is less power. Less power, less money.

~egon

Rare solutions include a vertical lattice upon which vines & roses grow between setting summer sun & HVAC ~6pm if not blocking the breezes

I used to hose spray the shaded but hard working unit upon quitting work but then we got a Trane variable ....