Does the federal return include the residential energy credit or is that considered a separate from federal credit?

Yes, the Residential Energy Credit is part of the federal tax return (1040).

 

It's a non-refundable credit, so if your income tax was less than your credit, it could be limited. 

 

The Energy Credit is shown on line 5b of Schedule 3.

 

You can preview your return to see the figure:

 

1. Open your return.
2. Select Tax Tools from the left-side menu, then Tools.
3. Select View Tax Summary in the pop-up box.
4. Select Preview my 1040 from the left-side menu.
5. You will see the Form 1040 with Schedules 1, 2 and 3.
6. When you are done, select Back from the left-side menu.