Escarrilla, Valle de Tena: LED 2200 K lighting upgrade to preserve the natural high-mountain environment

ESCARRILLA —16/4/2025— The municipality of Escarrilla, located in the heart of the Valle de Tena, has completed a comprehensive renovation of its outdoor lighting system using state-of-the-art LED technology. A total of 209 Villa XLA luminaires with Comfort Diffuser® and ultra-warm 2200 K colour temperature have been installed. These were configured with a precise combination of symmetrical and asymmetrical optics to adapt efficiently to the specific requirements of each area in the town, avoiding overlighting and directing the light only where it is needed.

The lighting design, tailored to each scenario, has enabled high levels of uniformity and visibility using very low power levels — most at 35 W — thus minimizing both energy consumption and total light emissions. This optimization improves the installation’s energy performance by more than 70% compared to traditional discharge technology and drastically reduces light pollution, a key factor in environmentally sensitive areas like Escarrilla and one of the main goals of this sustainable lighting approach.

The intervention in this municipality marks the final chapter in ATP Lighting’s series of case studies in the Valle de Tena, focused on implementing an efficient lighting model that is environmentally responsible and aligned with Starlight criteria for the protection of the night sky.

Efficiency, visual comfort, and dark sky protection

The selection of the 2200 K colour temperature responds to both technical and ecological considerations. ATP’s LED spectrum at this colour temperature has a blue light emission of less than 1.28% at wavelengths below 440 nm, making it an ideal solution to preserve circadian rhythms, protect nocturnal biodiversity, and prevent artificial skyglow.

The use of Comfort Diffuser® —a patented innovation by ATP— also ensures uniform, glare-free lighting that is pleasant to the eye, improving safety and enhancing the visual experience for both residents and visitors at night.

“Escarrilla is a mountain environment that blends rich tradition with lush nature. Being able to equip it with efficient and respectful lighting, designed to protect the night sky and ensure long-lasting performance in demanding conditions, is both a responsibility and a privilege,” says Guillermo Redrado, vice president of ATP Iluminación.

Structural protection against electrostatic discharges (ESD) in high mountain environments

In mountainous regions like Escarrilla, electrical storms are frequent and can lead to the accumulation of electrostatic charge on luminaires, especially in systems without grounding. If this charge finds a conductive element, it may discharge into the interior of the unit, potentially damaging electronic components such as the driver or LED module.

To prevent this risk, the Villa XLA luminaires installed in this project are made entirely of technical insulating polymers, with no exposed metal parts that could facilitate discharge. This dielectric architecture ensures total immunity to electrostatic discharges (ESD), with no need for additional protective measures.

Thanks to this structural solution, the lighting system offers not only long-term reliability, but also proven resistance to the harsh weather conditions often found in the Aragonese Pyrenees.

A town of history, nature, and Pyrenean heritage

Located at the confluence of the Gállego and Escarra rivers, Escarrilla preserves its Pyrenean character in every corner. Its two neighbourhoods, defined by stone buildings, wooden balconies, and cobbled streets, invite a slow and scenic stroll. Highlights include the parish church with its 19th-century baroque altarpiece, the historic bridge over the Gállego, and the unique fountains scattered throughout the town.

Nearby, the Escarra reservoir, Saldo viewpoint, and Punta Cochata offer top-tier nature trails for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Escarrilla is also a key location between Sallent and Panticosa and maintains a strong cultural identity as part of the historic district of La Partacua (traditionally made up of Tramacastilla, Sandiniés, Escarrilla, Piedrafita, Búbal, and Saqués).

Additionally, the main access road to Formigal — one of the most visited ski resorts in Spain — passes directly through the town centre, bringing a continuous flow of visitors throughout the year. This new lighting not only improves local quality of life but also enhances the experience of those passing through this strategic gateway of the valley.

Conclusion to a series focused on sustainability in the Valle de Tena

With this article on Escarrilla, ATP Iluminación concludes its series of success stories focused on sustainable lighting in the Valle de Tena. Over the past months, we have presented exemplary projects in Lanuza, Villanúa (winner of the international LIT Award), Biescas, Formigal, Gavín, Panticosa, Sallent de Gállego, and now, Escarrilla.

Each of these interventions has helped consolidate a model of lighting that is efficient, environmentally responsible, and fully integrated with the landscape and nighttime experience of the Aragonese Pyrenees.

“This series of projects shows that it is possible to combine technological innovation, landscape integration, and environmental respect even in such delicate and valuable settings as the Valle de Tena,” concludes Redrado. “We will continue working to provide long-lasting, sustainable solutions that align with the technical and aesthetic excellence that defines our company.”