(a)      A project qualifies as a solar energy project if it:

            (1)      is an addition, alteration, or improvement to a residential building or a commercial building; and

            (2)      is designed to reduce the energy requirements of the building by using:

                  (i)      wind energy;

                  (ii)      energy from a wood-burning appliance; or

                  (iii)      solar energy of:

                        1.      the active type based on mechanically forced energy transfer;

                        2.      the passive type based on convective, conductive, or radiant energy transfer; or

                        3.      a combination of these types.

      (b)      A solar energy project may include:

            (1)      a solar process heat device;

            (2)      a solar electric device; and

            (3)      an earth sheltered building in which the sheltering substantially reduces the consumption of energy by the building.

      (c)      A solar energy project may not include a fireplace, unless the fireplace is an integral part of a system designed to use passive solar energy.