These solar panels are going in RIGHT NOW at Worthy Brewing, eastside Bend's newest brewery.
According to brewmaster Chad Kennedy, the photovoltaic system will provide about 20 percent of Worthy's water-heating needs—which is a lot. Heating water is a necessary part of the brewing process. Duh!
Kennedy said he's psyched to finish closing up the building, which should happen soon as the cooler and boiler are already in and the windows are being installed this week. But the real excitement for Worthy's head brewer will come in mid-November. That' when the brewing equipment is scheduled for arrival.
Then Kennedy, the former Laurelwood Brewing Co. brewmaster, can start making beer. Kennedy said he still expects the facility to be finished by the years end, which should translate to a January or February grand opening.
And if you haven't heard, Worthy is will be canning their beers, as well as bottling them. I love canned beer. And you should too—it tastes delicious, protects the beer from light degradation and is easily transportable. Worthy's ability to can should open the doors for other Bend brewers to start canning. Also good news.
Kennedy said that aside from Worthy's intial hop-centric offerings, the new brewery will also be pouring a Belgian Wit. Hooray!
