(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.