The energy tax credit is not an itemized deduction. Whether you itemize or take the standard doesn't impact your ability to get the credit. What does matter is:
- Whether you've gotten $500 or more in energy credits since c 2006- there are caps
- Whether you have a tax liability, and hence can benefit from a tax credit
If you haven't maxxed out on energy credits in the past c 10 years, and have a tax liability after other credits are applied, this credit will lower your tax and therefore increase your refund/ decrease your amount due.