what is your generator? how are you exciting it, fields or stator? if it is an automotive alternator, the built in regulator should do the trick sensing your needs. or you could use an old chevy (pre 1960) black box regulator and then you can adjust them internally for voltage output. first thing that you need to establish is the static voltage of your battery bank. as in no input from the generator. if it is 13.5vdc, do not let the generator push more than 14.5vdc. how many 12volt cells do you have? that is 6vdc batteries in series to make the 12 cell that I assume you have in parrallel? this is needed to judge the max input amperage for the circuit. I too am looking at a 12vdc system for my home then switch to LED lighting throughout, and possably switching all of the appliences that I can to 12vdc