Table of Contents
DigOut/Insert Base #
- The diameter of the hole dug must be 3x the width of the pole used.
- Ex: 6-inch pole must have 18-inch hole diameter.
- The depth of the hole must be 1/3 of the “out of ground” height of the pole, plus 6 inches or as directed by local code.
- Ex: 10-foot pole must have a 3’ 10” deep hole.
- Stand the pole base evenly into the hole, using a level to be precise. Mix and pour enough concrete into the hole until it’s at least 2–3 inches below the surface of the hole. Evenly add concrete and smooth the top surface. Use a level against the pole and check one more time for preciseness.
- For general mixing instructions: Pour 3 US quarts of water per 80 lb. bag of concrete (unless otherwise specified on bag).
- The concrete should have consistency near that of oatmeal. Excess water will weaken the concrete.
- Allow the pole base and concrete to sit for the next 12-16 hours. Check with a level one more time before beginning the solar installation.
- If not level, dig out around the cemented area, shift the pole base to make it level, and add more concrete to make it stay.
