Thanks for weighing in. After reading a bit more and studying the actual 5695 form the section B it seemed to confirm that it had to be done relatively at the same time (in conjuction with). Appreciate the follow up.
21 a Did you incur costs for qualified energy property installed on or in connection with a home located in
the United States? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21a Yes No
b Was the qualified energy property originally placed into service by you? . . . . . . . . . . 21b Yes No
If you checked the “No” box for line 21a or 21b, you cannot claim the credit for your residential
energy property costs.
