(a) A taxpayer claiming a credit under this Act shall submit to the Department of Revenue a copy of the Director’s certificate of verification under this Act for the taxable year. However, failure to submit a copy of the certificate with the taxpayer’s tax return shall not invalidate a claim for a credit.
     (b) For a taxpayer to be eligible for a certificate of verification, the taxpayer shall provide proof as required by the Department, prior to the end of each calendar year, including, but not limited to, attestation by the taxpayer that:
         (1) The project has achieved the level of new