Yield augmentation of solar distiller (SD) using low-cost modifications with minimum environmental impacts is highly desirable. In this study, we developed an eco-friendly steam generation device made of carbonized Ficus sycomorus wood to boost the yield of the conventional single-basin solar distiller. Moreover, a hybrid model composed of a long short-term memory (LSTM) network and a Starling murmuration optimizer (SMO) was developed to predict the yield of the established SD. To verify the accuracy of the model, three other models were employed and the distillate yield was predicted. The predicted data of all models was evaluated using different error measures. These models were standalone LSTM and LSTM optimized by an artificial hummingbird algorithm (AHA) or manta ray foraging optimizer (MRFO). Real field data were employed during the training and testing of all models. The thermal performance of the distiller with the steam generation device was compared with that of a traditional distiller based on exergy output, exergy efficiency, and energy efficiency. The distillate yield, exergy efficiency, and energy efficiency of the modified SD were enhanced by 34 %, 49 %, and 40 %, respectively, compared with that of the traditional distiller. Moreover, the total amount of produced drinkable water using the modified SD could reach a high value of 6.1 L/day with a low cost of 0.014 $/L.