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Anything that will keep you cooler (tinted windows, parking in the shade, beaded seat covers) will keep you in your 'comfort threshold' for longer, reducing A/C use.
As far as a study, that's a good question. I like to think of it like this: We all have different thresholds for the amount of discomfort we can tolerate before using the A/C. Any of the above techniques will keep you slightly cooler, and can prolong the amount of driving you do before opting for A/C.
I would be interested in finding some math on the topic. Something like: If the cost of tinted windows is T, and in the summer you save on average Xmpg by reduced A/C use, how long will it take to result in a net savings?
I've never had tinted windows, but I wonder if night driving is adversely affected.
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