Can I get another solar federal tax credit if I move?

Can I get energy star tax credit if I buy windows but then move a month after they are installed?

• I am going to install energy star windows in my home this month and would like to claim the 30% tax credit. Here is the hang-up I am not sure about: I am planning to move a few weeks after they are installed. So when I do my 2009 taxes I will not longer be living in the home the windows are in. So they are being purchased and install while I live there but then when I claim the credit this house will no longer be my "principle residence." Anyone know the rule for this? Can I still get the credit?

• Answer:

  "at the time of installation, the dwelling unit is owned and used by the taxpayer as the taxpayer’s principal residence (within the meaning of § 121)" It will be up to you to defend in an audit that you hadn't moved until 3 weeks after the installation. You will have the paperwork showing the installation was completed, on say June 1st and the moving expenses showing you moved your stuff on August 1st.... If, on the other hand, you have paystubs showing you were already working in another state in May, you'd flunk. (Presumably the buyer is demanding new windows? Or you think it will sell/rent better with them? It's not like the credit is 100% of the money spent....)