Abstract: The "Solar Cities" initiative was introduced on a relatively limited basis in 2007, to trial the efficacy of solar power in reducing the consumption of mains electricity and carbon emissions. The purpose of the Solar Cities trial had been to assess both the technical merits and household behavioural aspects of solar power in predominantly residential applications. This paper analyses an Adelaide case study of a household that participated in this trial. Net consumption of mains electricity by the case study household was reduced to 12% from 2800kWHr annually as a result of a combination of the electricity generated by a 1 kW system (a 60% reduction) and household behavioural modifications (a 28% reduction). The case study findings and case study research methodology were used to suggest how a major research project could be structured to provide a large body of empirical evidence that would underpin future planning policy designed to maximize the uptake of functionally effective and aesthetically attractive local solar electricity systems in Australia’s urban areas. The policy implications of this tentative and exploratory research are discussed and the conclusion that emerges is that evidence based urban planning policies are required that mesh effectively with the new environmental policy imperatives being driven at the national level.