We study the $G_2$ analogue of the Goldberg conjecture on non-compact solvmanifolds. In contrast to the almost-K\"ahler case we prove that a 7-dimensional solvmanifold cannot admit any left-invariant calibrated $G_2$-structure $\varphi$ such that the induced metric $g_{ \varphi}$ is Einstein, unless $g_{ \varphi}$ is flat. We give an example of 7-dimensional solvmanifold admitting a left-invariant calibrated $G_2$-structure $\varphi$ such that $g_{ \varphi}$ is Ricci-soliton. Moreover, we show that a 7-dimensional (non-flat) Einstein solvmanifold $(S,g)$ cannot admit any left-invariant cocalibrated $G_2$-structure $\varphi$ such that the induced metric $g_{ \varphi} = g$.
Categories: math.DG