I'm diving into a solar project and I'm trying to figure out the best way to mount my solar panels on a pole. I've read that ideally, you should bury 2/3 of the pole in concrete for stability. For example, if my pole is going to be 6 feet above ground, I'd need to use a 10-foot pole and bury 4 feet of it. But I'm curious if there are temporary solutions that don't involve concrete, so I can reposition it later. Would burying the pole deeper or using gravel instead of concrete work?
3 Answers
The standard practice is to bury at least 1/3 of the pole's length for stability. Check if your soil type requires concrete; heavy clay holds poles well without it, but sandy soils may need more support. In my experience, dirt can work just fine if packed well, and I’ve had wooden posts with no concrete still standing strong after years. Just make sure to consider the local conditions.
Don't forget about environmental factors! If you’re in a hurricane-prone area like South Florida, you definitely want to check the expected wind loads. And regarding concrete, it’s not essential if your post is buried properly, but it can provide extra stability. Also, remember to check if a permit is necessary, as it could depend on height and placement.
Using a 4x4 or 6x6 wooden post without concrete is a solid idea! Bury it so that it’s equal height above and below ground. You'll want a sizeable diameter if you go for metal to ensure it remains stable. I’ve done this with redwood posts, and they’ve lasted without any concrete support. Just make sure to think about your soil!