Georgia Power says it wants to add 50 megawatts of solar energy to its system by 2015.

Georgia Power Vice President Greg Roberts told a conference Monday that a proposal now before state utility regulators would expand the use of solar energy beyond the power company's existing program.

The Southern Co. subsidiary currently purchases just over four megawatts of solar power from 180 suppliers.

Roberts said bids from suppliers are due Monday to expand that relatively small program by another megawatt. The current program is supported by Georgia Power customers who voluntarily pay a premium for green energy.

Tags: Atlanta, Georgia Power, Public Service Commission, solar energy, renewable energy conference