Final answer:
Some civil engineers believe it is feasible to derive a significant portion of our energy from the sun, which is true. Solar energy has the potential to meet society's needs, especially if we advance storage technologies and manage consumption growth responsibly. Directly powering transportation with solar energy is not practical due to the diffuse nature of solar energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Feasibility of Solar Energy as a Major Power Source
The question whether it is feasible to derive a large part of our energy directly from the sun can be answered with a true. Solar energy represents an essentially unlimited supply and encompasses multiple forms including photovoltaics and solar thermal systems. While there are practical limitations in terms of current technology and energy storage, the potential of solar energy is significant given that the sun delivers vastly more power to Earth than human society currently demands.
Despite these prospects, solar power cannot directly power certain forms of transportation like cars and airplanes effectively, due to its diffuse nature. Nevertheless, the solar potential combined with advances in storage technologies could conceivably help transition to a solar-dominated energy landscape without relying on fossil fuels.
Furthermore, it is emphasized that solar energy, while abundant, will eventually reach thermodynamic limits if society's energy consumption continues to grow at a relentless rate. It is therefore crucial to consider not only the expansion of solar energy technologies but also the responsible management and moderation of energy demands.